Bristol-Myers-Squibb
Begins Enhanced Co-Pay Assistance for Atazanavir (Reyataz)
and Efavirenz (Sustiva)
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| SUMMARY:
Bristol-Myers Squibb recently announced
that it was changing its patient assistance
programs for its protease inhibitor atazanavir
(Reyataz) and NNRTI efavirenz
(Sustiva) to eliminate a $50 co-pay.
Effective January 1, 2010, the programs
will now cover the full cost of private
insurance out-of-pocket co-pays up to $200
per month for either drug (the Atripla
efavirenz/tenofovir/emtricitabine coformulation
is not included). Individuals covered by
Medicaid, Medicare, AIDS Drug Assistance
Programs (ADAPs), or residing in Massachusetts
(which has a universal health insurance
program) are not eligible. |
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By
Liz Highleyman
Below
is an announcement from Bristol-Myers-Squibb describing
the changes to the program.
Enhanced
Reyataz and Efavirenz Co-Pay Benefit Program
December
17, 2009 -- We are enhancing the Bristol-Myers Squibb
Co-pay Benefit Program beginning on January 1, 2010,
for eligible new and existing Reyataz (atazanavir
sulfate) and Sustiva (efavirenz) patients who have
out-of-pocket costs through their commercial insurance
coverage. We recognize that, especially in this economic
environment, out-of-pocket costs for HIV medicines
may be prohibitive even for patients who have prescription
drug benefits. This program reflects Bristol-Myers
Squibb's ongoing commitment to helping patients who
need our medicines to access them.
The
Reyataz and Sustiva Co-pay Benefit Program will allow
eligible patients to save up to $200 of co-pay costs
monthly, for up to a year. Bristol-Myers Squibb will
now cover the first $200 of a patient's monthly co-pay
or co-insurance costs; the patient will be responsible
for any amount over $200.
To
access this benefit, eligible patients need to obtain
a Co-pay Benefit Card to take to the pharmacy each
time they fill their prescription for Reyataz or Sustiva.
Benefit cards are available through their healthcare
provider, select pharmacies, or online at www.BMSHIVCoPayProgram.com.
Eligible patients who are currently utilizing our
Co-pay Benefit Program for Reyataz or Sustiva do not
need to obtain new benefit cards. hese patients will
begin receiving these new benefits, subject to the
new program end date, upon their next use of their
Co-pay Benefit Card.
The
Co-pay Benefit Card is not valid in Massachusetts
or for prescriptions purchased under Medicaid, Medicare,
or federal or state programs (including state prescription
drug programs, or private indemnity or HMO insurance
plans, which reimburse patients for the entire cost
of the prescription drugs). First use must take place
by December 31, 2010.
This
Co-pay Benefit Program is for eligible commercially
insured patients only. For patients living with HIV
who are uninsured or underinsured, Bristol-Myers Squibb
offers other programs to support access to medicines.
Bristol-Myers Squibb provides our medicines free of
charge to those who qualify through our Access Virology
Patient Assistance Program and also participates in
the pharmaceutical industry's Together Rx Access Program.
Bristol-Myers
Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company committed
to discovering, developing and delivering innovative
medicines that help patients prevail over serious
diseases.
1/05/10
Source
Bristol-Myers-Squibb.
Enhanced Reyataz Co-Pay Benefit Program. December
17, 2009.
