Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Copayment Assistance Programs for Atazanavir (Reyataz), Efavirenz (Sustiva), and Atripla

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) this month announced new copayment assistance programs for 3 of its antiretroviral medications. BMS will provide assistance with payments for atazanavir (Reyataz) and efavirenz (Sustiva), while BMS in partnership with Gilead Sciences will provide assistance for the Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/emtricitabine) fixed-dose combination pill.

"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," BMS stated in a recent press release. "This program reflects Bristol-Myers Squibb's ongoing commitment to helping patients who need our medicines to access them."

The program will assist individuals in the U.S. and Puerto Rico who are covered by private health insurance and are required to pay more than $50 in total copayments for these medications. The program will cover copayments of up to $200 per month.

Due to federal law, copayment assistance is not available to patients who are covered under Medicaid, Medicare, AIDS drug assistance programs (ADAPs), or the mandatory state health insurance program in Massachusetts. It also does not apply in cases where insurance covers the full cost of medication. BMS offers other assistance programs for individuals who do not have commercial health insurance.

The copayment program will go into effect on April 30. Individuals wishing to take advantage of the assistance program should acquire a benefit card from their doctor to be presented to their pharmacist along with a prescription; cards will also be available by mail. The first use must occur by December 31, 2009, and assistance will last up to 1 year.

For further information about atazanavir and efavirenz copayment assistance, contact the BMS Access Virology phone line at 1-888-281-8981. For assistance with Atripla, call 1-866-784-3431.

4/28/09

Source

Bristol-Myers Squibb.