April 24, 2009

Atripla Co-pay Program Announced

Gilead Sciences and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) announced today that they have added the drug Atripla (efavirenz, tenofovir and emtricitabine), which they jointly make and sell, to the list of drugs for which they offer co-payment assistance.

People taking Atripla will be able to obtain co-pay assistance card from their doctors or pharmacies soon. Cards may also be obtained by calling Gilead and BMS at 866.784.3431.

People will be responsible for paying the first $50 of their co-pay. The Atripla co-pay kicks in for co-pays higher than $50 and provides up to $200 of assistance per month for one year. Thus, if someone’s current co-pay is $250 they will only be responsible for $50 going forward.

Federal law currently prohibits companies from offering co-pay assistance to people receiving government-funded health insurance like Medicaid or drug coverage like the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs). Massachusetts law prohibits co-payment assistance for its residents, regardless of whether they receive public or private health insurance.

The co-pay program covers only U.S. residents, including those of Puerto Rico. For a list of the various co-pay programs, click here.

NEW! Scroll down to comment on this story.

Previous Comments:

Steve, Rialto, CA, 2009-05-10 11:21:30
I agree completely - without ADAP this drug lists for $1554 per 30 day supply in Southern CA - thats $51.80 per pill.

David, New Bedford,MA, 2009-04-26 17:26:04
I think its great that Atripla is finally having payment assistance with this drug. If it wasnt for adap in Florida and free health insurance here in Mass. I dont know how I would of received this medication. Thank you Atripla....you have done wonders for my life!!