Yervoy can cost over $120,000 per treatment course. Learn about copay assistance, patient assistance programs, and other ways to save in 2026.
If you've just learned how much Yervoy (Ipilimumab) costs, you might be in shock. A full course of treatment can run over $120,000, and a single vial can cost as much as $35,000. Those numbers are real — but the amount you actually pay doesn't have to be.
Between insurance coverage, manufacturer programs, and patient assistance foundations, there are real ways to bring your out-of-pocket costs down significantly. This guide walks you through every option available in 2026.
Let's start with the list prices so you know what you're working with:
These prices reflect the list or average wholesale price. Without insurance, you would be responsible for the full amount — which is why almost no one pays cash for Yervoy. The drug is almost always obtained through insurance coverage, manufacturer programs, or patient assistance.
Yes — most insurance plans cover Yervoy, but the details matter:
Yervoy is a physician-administered drug given by IV infusion, which means it falls under Medicare Part B (not Part D). Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible. Your 20% coinsurance on a single 200 mg vial could be $5,800 to $7,000 — still a significant amount.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans may cover some or all of this coinsurance. If you have Medicare Advantage, coverage terms and prior authorization requirements vary by plan.
Most commercial health plans cover Yervoy for its FDA-approved indications. However, prior authorization is almost always required. Some plans may also impose step therapy requirements or prefer specific infusion center networks.
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's coinsurance, copay, and out-of-pocket maximum. Once you hit your annual out-of-pocket max, your plan should cover 100% of the remaining cost — a threshold that Yervoy patients often reach quickly.
Bristol Myers Squibb offers a Co-Pay Assistance Program for eligible commercially insured patients prescribed Yervoy. Here's what you need to know:
This program can dramatically reduce what you owe per infusion. Ask your oncologist's office about enrollment — they may be able to submit the application on your behalf.
If you're uninsured or can't afford your out-of-pocket costs, these programs may be able to help:
This independent charitable foundation provides free Yervoy to eligible patients who:
How to apply: Visit bmspaf.org or call 1-800-736-0003. Your healthcare provider will need to complete part of the application.
The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation provides copay assistance grants for cancer patients. Funds are disease-specific and may not always be open, so check availability at panfoundation.org.
NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) maintains a database of patient assistance programs, including those for Yervoy and other oncology drugs. It's a good starting point if you're not sure which programs you qualify for.
RxAssist (rxassist.org) is another comprehensive directory of patient assistance programs organized by drug and manufacturer.
If you have commercial insurance, your plan has an annual out-of-pocket maximum — often between $3,000 and $9,450 for individual coverage (2026 limits). Given Yervoy's cost, you may hit this maximum after your first or second infusion. After that, your plan covers 100% of eligible costs for the rest of the year. This means timing your treatment within a single plan year can minimize your total spending.
Yervoy comes in 50 mg and 200 mg vials. Depending on your weight and prescribed dose, your oncology team may be able to optimize vial selection to reduce waste and potentially lower the billed amount. For example, using one 200 mg vial instead of four 50 mg vials saves money for both you and the facility.
If your insurer denies prior authorization for Yervoy, you have the right to appeal. Your oncologist can submit a letter of medical necessity, NCCN guideline documentation, and clinical evidence supporting Yervoy for your specific cancer type. Many initial denials are overturned on appeal.
Clinical trials sometimes provide the study drug at no cost. If Yervoy is being studied in a new combination or for a new indication, you may be able to receive it for free as part of a trial. Ask your oncologist or search clinicaltrials.gov for active Ipilimumab trials.
Many cancer centers have oncology social workers or financial counselors who specialize in helping patients navigate the cost of treatment. They know about local, state, and national programs you might not find on your own. Don't be shy about asking — this is literally their job.
Traditional pharmacy coupon cards (like GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.) do not apply to Yervoy. These services are designed for retail pharmacy prescriptions, and Yervoy is a physician-administered IV infusion drug that doesn't go through retail pharmacy channels. Your savings options are the manufacturer programs and patient assistance foundations described above.
The sticker price of Yervoy is staggering, but you have options. Most patients pay far less than the list price through a combination of insurance coverage, manufacturer copay assistance, and patient assistance programs. Here's a quick summary of where to start:
Don't let cost be the reason you miss a cancer treatment. Start by reaching out to BMS Access Support at 1-800-861-0048 — they can walk you through your options based on your specific insurance and financial situation.
For more information about Yervoy, visit our complete guide. And if you're having trouble finding the drug itself, use Medfinder to search for Yervoy in stock near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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