This article is the first in a series of 5 articles to run in Oncology Practice Management on patient assistance programs. The information below—highlighting an assistance program for patients who are prescribed Imbruvica—was provided by Pharmacyclics, Inc, and Janssen Biotech, Inc.
YOU&i Access Programs
When Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech set out to launch Imbruvica in the United States, they prioritized one goal above all others: providing access support to patients who are prescribed Imbruvica. Improving access for patients is challenging due to the complicated nature of the reimbursement landscape. What might help improve access for a patient with commercial insurance may not be available or allowed for a patient with government-funded insurance. Patients may have high-er out-of-pocket costs in certain months versus others. To help make access to Imbruvica simple, convenient, and easy for a variety of patients, Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech created a unique set of patient support programs called YOU&i Access programs.
For commercial patients, Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech offer the YOU&i Access Instant Savings Program to help with out-of-pocket expenses for Imbruvica. This program enables eligible patients with commercial insurance to pay a copay of $25 per month,a regardless of income level. The patient can use as much or as little as they need in each month.
For patients experiencing insurance coverage decision delays, Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech offer the YOU&i Start Program. This program offers eligible patients who have been prescribed Imbruvica for a US Food and Drug Administration-approved indication, and who are experiencing an insurance coverage decision delay of greater than 5 business days, a free 30-day supply of Imbruvica. Under appropriate circumstances, an additional 30-day supply may be provided. The free product is offered to eligible patients without any purchase contingencies or other obligations.
For uninsured patients, the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization, may offer assistance with accessing Imbruvica to eligible patients who qualify based on financial need (income requirement of 600% of the federal poverty level).
Lastly, for all patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech support third-party copay assistance foundations, organizations, and other efforts to help any patients gain access to appropriate care and therapies. Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech have supported and continue to support third-party foundations to assist patients living with CLL or MCL. For more information, visit www.youandiaccess.com or call 877-877-3536.
aMonth refers to a 30-day supply subject to a maximum benefit, 12 months after activation or 12 monthly fills (1-year supply), whichever comes first, unless the maximum dollar benefit has been reached. Not valid for patients enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid.