Eliquis list price, what Medicare patients pay, the $10/month Co-Pay Card, the Patient Assistance Program, GoodRx coupons, Costco pricing, and every legitimate way to reduce the cost of apixaban in the United States — including the new Medicare negotiated price that took effect in 2026.
This guide covers pricing, savings programs, and cost-reduction strategies for Eliquis (apixaban). It is not medical advice. Eliquis is a prescription blood thinner — it requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Never stop or change your Eliquis dosage without your doctor’s direct guidance. Stopping Eliquis suddenly can significantly increase the risk of stroke or blood clot. All pricing figures in this guide are based on publicly available data and are subject to change — verify current prices and program eligibility with your pharmacist, insurer, and Bristol-Myers Squibb before making any financial decisions about your prescription.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. government negotiated a new Medicare price for Eliquis effective January 1, 2026. The Maximum Fair Price (MFP) — what Medicare pays — is now $231/month, down from the previous list price of approximately $606/month. Additionally, Medicare Part D’s new $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on all prescriptions applies in 2026, meaning once you spend $2,100 total on all Part D drugs, your medications cost you nothing for the rest of the year. What individual Medicare patients pay at the pharmacy still depends on their specific plan and tier placement.
Eliquis (apixaban) is one of the most prescribed brand-name medications in the United States, used to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and prevent pulmonary embolism (PE). It is also one of the most expensive daily maintenance medications millions of Americans take — with a list price that can exceed $600/month for a 30-day supply. The good news: most patients do not pay the list price, and multiple legitimate programs can reduce the actual out-of-pocket cost dramatically — sometimes to as little as $10/month. Understanding which program applies to your situation is the most important thing this guide can help you do. Here are the 10 most important pricing facts.
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What is the cheapest way to get Eliquis? Depends entirely on your insurance status: (1) Commercially insured patients — the Bristol-Myers Squibb $10 Co-Pay Card reduces cost to $10/month for up to 24 months; (2) Medicare patients — the $2,100 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap applies in 2026, and Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) can reduce copays to a few dollars; (3) Uninsured patients — GoodRx and similar discount cards reduce the retail price; the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation provides free Eliquis for qualifying low-income uninsured patients; (4) Costco pharmacy typically offers some of the lowest cash prices among major U.S. pharmacy chainsThe single cheapest path depends on your insurance situation — there is no universal answer. For commercially insured patients (those with employer-sponsored insurance, marketplace insurance, or private insurance — but not Medicare or Medicaid), the Bristol-Myers Squibb $10 Co-Pay Card is the most powerful savings tool available, reducing the cost to $10/month for the first fill and approximately $30 for subsequent 90-day fills, for up to 24 months. For Medicare patients, the landscape changed substantially starting January 2026 under the Inflation Reduction Act: the Part D annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 now limits what any Medicare patient pays for all Part D medications combined in a calendar year. Once a Medicare patient spends $2,100 on covered drugs, all further medications — including Eliquis — cost nothing for the remainder of that year. Medicare patients who also qualify for Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy program) may pay just a few dollars per month for Eliquis. For uninsured patients, the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation provides free Eliquis to qualifying low-income individuals — this is the absolute lowest cost available. GoodRx, SingleCare, and pharmacy membership programs (Costco, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs if/when Eliquis becomes available) represent the best discount options for uninsured patients who don’t qualify for the assistance foundation.
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How much does a 30-day supply of Eliquis 5 mg cost without insurance? The retail list price for a 30-day supply of Eliquis 5 mg (60 tablets at twice-daily dosing) ranges from approximately $346/month at the manufacturer’s direct-to-consumer price to $400–$600/month at major chain pharmacies without any discount; GoodRx and discount coupons can reduce cash prices to approximately $357 at the lowest-priced pharmacies; the full list price (WAC) as of January 2026 is $346 per 30-day supply per Bristol-Myers SquibbEliquis 5 mg tablets are prescribed twice daily for most conditions, meaning a 30-day supply requires 60 tablets. The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) — the list price at which Bristol-Myers Squibb sells to wholesalers, and roughly the price pharmacies use as their baseline — was $346 per 30-day supply as of January 2026, according to the manufacturer’s official pricing page. Retail chain pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid typically mark this up to $400–$600/month for cash-paying patients without any discount. With GoodRx coupons, prices at the lowest-cost participating pharmacies start around $357/month for 60 tablets of the 5 mg strength. Costco’s pharmacy — accessible to members — tends to offer below-average cash prices on Eliquis, making it one of the most frequently cited destinations for lower-cost Eliquis among uninsured or cash-paying patients. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablet strengths are priced identically per tablet; the monthly cost difference comes from dosing frequency (twice daily for both strengths, but some patients on 2.5 mg for DVT prophylaxis take fewer total tablets). Key point: the vast majority of Eliquis patients do not pay these retail figures. According to Bristol-Myers Squibb’s own data, the average patient across all insurance types pays $48/month, and 5 out of 10 patients pay $25/month or less — reflecting the wide variety of insurance copays and savings programs in use.
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How much will Eliquis cost with Medicare in 2026? Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Medicare Maximum Fair Price (MFP) for Eliquis is $231/month effective January 1, 2026 — what Medicare pays; what individual Medicare Part D patients actually pay at the pharmacy depends on their specific plan’s tier placement and cost-sharing structure, but is capped at a new $2,100 annual out-of-pocket maximum for all Part D drugs combined; Medicare Extra Help recipients pay significantly less, often just a few dollars per fillThe 2026 Medicare pricing changes for Eliquis are significant and represent the most important development for senior Eliquis users in years. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers for the first time in the program’s history. Eliquis was among the first 10 drugs selected for negotiation, and the resulting Maximum Fair Price of $231/month — effective January 1, 2026 — is what Medicare pays the manufacturer. This is 62% lower than the prior list price of approximately $606/month. However, this negotiated price is not automatically what Medicare patients pay out of pocket. What patients pay is determined by their specific Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage (Part C with drug coverage) plan’s formulary tier placement, deductible, and cost-sharing structure. Some plans may pass on significant savings from the negotiated price; others may structure their cost-sharing differently. What is guaranteed for all Medicare Part D enrollees starting in 2026: the annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 on all Part D medications combined. Once a patient’s accumulated out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,100 in a calendar year, Medicare pays 100% of the cost for all remaining Part D medications through December 31. For patients who take multiple expensive brand-name medications, this cap can be reached early in the year. Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) remains the most powerful Medicare-specific savings program — qualifying patients typically pay $4–$10 per fill regardless of the drug’s actual cost.
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How do I get Eliquis for $10 a month? The Bristol-Myers Squibb Eliquis Co-Pay Card reduces cost to $10/month for commercially insured patients — activate at eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com or call 1-855-354-7847; this program is NOT available to Medicare, Medicaid, or government-insured patients; it provides up to 24 months of coverage at $10/month with a maximum annual savings benefit of $2,000; after 24 months, patients can re-enroll if still eligible; a first-fill Free Trial Offer is also available separatelyThe $10 Eliquis Co-Pay Card is the most widely publicized savings tool for Eliquis and the most impactful for patients who qualify. Provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), the card reduces monthly out-of-pocket cost to $10 for a 30-day supply or approximately $30 for a 90-day supply for up to 24 months. The card must be activated through the official BMS website at eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com or by phone at 1-855-ELIQUIS (354-7847). Eligibility requirements: you must be commercially insured (employer insurance, marketplace/ACA plan, or other private insurance), live in the United States or an eligible U.S. territory, and your prescription cannot already cost $10 or less. The card cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons. The maximum annual savings benefit is $2,000. The card must be activated and used by December 31, 2026 under current program terms. After 24 months, patients can re-enroll if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Critical exclusion: Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, and other government insurance recipients do not qualify for the Co-Pay Card. This is the single most important eligibility restriction. Patients who present their Co-Pay Card at a pharmacy while also enrolled in Medicare may inadvertently violate anti-kickback statutes under federal law — do not use the Co-Pay Card if you have Medicare or Medicaid coverage. A separate Free Trial Offer Card for new Eliquis patients provides a 30-day first fill at no charge, also for commercially insured patients only.
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What is the Eliquis price at Walmart? Walmart pharmacy does not carry Eliquis on its $4 generic prescription list because Eliquis is not a generic; the cash price for Eliquis 5 mg at Walmart without insurance or a discount card is typically $400–$550/month for 60 tablets; using a GoodRx or GoodRx Gold coupon at Walmart can reduce this; Walmart pharmacy is a participating GoodRx pharmacy; however, Costco pharmacy consistently offers lower cash prices than Walmart for Eliquis — always compare pharmacies using GoodRx before fillingWalmart’s famous $4 generic prescription list covers hundreds of generic medications at deeply discounted flat rates — but Eliquis (apixaban) is a brand-name drug under patent and does not appear on that list. While the FDA has approved generic versions of apixaban, the brand’s patent protection has been extended and generics cannot be sold in the U.S. market until at least April 2028 under current court rulings. This means Walmart pharmacy offers Eliquis at standard brand-name retail pricing rather than generic pricing. At the cash price without insurance or discount cards, Walmart pharmacy typically charges $400–$550/month for 60 tablets of Eliquis 5 mg, though prices vary by location. Walmart is a participating GoodRx pharmacy, meaning GoodRx coupons are accepted there and can reduce the cash price meaningfully — but even with GoodRx, Walmart’s resulting Eliquis price is often not the lowest available at major chain pharmacies. Costco pharmacy, where accessible, consistently offers lower cash prices on Eliquis than most chain pharmacies for members. For any patient paying cash for Eliquis, comparing prices across at least three pharmacies using GoodRx (goodrx.com) before filling is essential — prices for the same drug at pharmacies within a few miles of each other can vary by $100 or more per month on a medication this expensive.
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What is Eliquis at Costco — is it really cheaper? YES — Costco pharmacy is consistently among the lowest-priced U.S. pharmacies for Eliquis at cash prices; Costco’s member pharmacy pricing on brand-name drugs is typically 15–30% below major chain pharmacy cash prices; Costco pharmacy is accessible to non-members for prescription filling in most states due to legal restrictions on discriminatory membership requirements; the Costco pharmacy phone number can be used to request pricing before visitingCostco pharmacy has earned a strong reputation among cost-conscious prescription shoppers — including many seniors — for offering below-average cash prices on brand-name drugs. For Eliquis specifically, Costco pharmacy prices are regularly cited on patient forums and prescription comparison sites as among the lowest available at major U.S. pharmacies for cash-paying customers. Costco’s pharmacy pricing model benefits from the warehouse club’s high-volume purchasing and its philosophy of maintaining low margins on pharmacy items. Importantly, in most U.S. states, Costco pharmacies are legally required to allow non-members to fill prescriptions — pharmacy services are generally protected from membership discrimination under state pharmacy board regulations in states including California, New York, Texas, Florida, and others. Check your state’s regulations or call your local Costco pharmacy directly to confirm. Even without a Costco membership, the pharmacies in most states will fill prescriptions at member pricing. To get the best possible price at any pharmacy — including Costco — also apply any available GoodRx, SingleCare, or other pharmacy discount card. In some cases, GoodRx pricing at a competing pharmacy may still beat Costco’s member cash price depending on your location, so comparing multiple options before filling saves real money each month on a medication this expensive.
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Is there a generic version of Eliquis — and when will it be available? The FDA has approved generic apixaban — but court rulings have extended Eliquis’s patent protection until at least April 1, 2028; no FDA-approved generic apixaban can be legally sold in the United States until that date unless future court decisions change this; when generic apixaban does launch, prices are expected to drop 70–90% from the current brand price — potentially to $30–$80/month or less; do not purchase from any source claiming to sell generic Eliquis inside the U.S. before the official launch dateThe generic apixaban situation is one of the most consequential pharmaceutical patent cases for American patients. The FDA approved generic apixaban formulations — meaning the agency confirmed that generic manufacturers can produce a bioequivalent version that works the same way as Eliquis. However, FDA approval and market availability are separate matters. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer (who co-manufacture Eliquis) successfully defended patent extension litigation that has kept generic versions off the U.S. market. As of current court rulings, the earliest generic apixaban can be legally sold is April 1, 2028. This patent expiration date is subject to change if ongoing appeals reach different conclusions — though extension of the existing timeline is considered unlikely. When generic apixaban does reach U.S. pharmacies, competition from multiple generic manufacturers typically drives prices down 70–90% from brand name within the first year. At that discount rate applied to Eliquis’s current pricing, generic apixaban could realistically fall to $30–$80/month — a life-changing cost reduction for patients currently struggling with the brand-price burden. In the meantime, the only legitimate low-cost option is the BMS savings programs and pharmacy discount cards for eligible patients. Be extremely cautious of any online source claiming to sell generic Eliquis inside the United States before the April 2028 patent expiration — this cannot be legitimate and may represent counterfeit medication, which carries serious health risks.
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What is the Eliquis Patient Assistance Foundation — how do you qualify? The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation provides Eliquis free of charge to qualifying low-income uninsured or underinsured U.S. patients; general eligibility: U.S. residents who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover Eliquis, with household income at or below 200–400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (varies by program specifics); apply by calling 1-800-736-0003 or through the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation at bms.com; a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. physician is requiredThe BMS Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSAF) is one of the most meaningful financial resources for low-income Eliquis patients in the United States — it provides free medication, not discounted, to qualifying individuals. The foundation is a separate entity from the commercial $10 Co-Pay Card and is specifically designed for uninsured and underinsured patients who cannot afford the cost of Eliquis. General eligibility criteria include: being a U.S. resident, having a valid prescription for Eliquis from a licensed U.S. physician, being uninsured or having insurance that does not adequately cover Eliquis, and having household income at or below the program’s income threshold (which is assessed on a case-by-case basis and has historically been set at 200–400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines). The application process requires providing income documentation, proof of residency, and the prescribing physician’s information. Applications are processed by the foundation’s team, and approved patients receive their Eliquis at no cost — typically delivered directly to their home or physician’s office. To apply or learn more: call 1-800-736-0003 or visit bms.com and search for Patient Assistance. Your doctor’s office can also assist with the application, as many physicians who frequently prescribe Eliquis have experience navigating the assistance program. Medicare patients who do not qualify for the commercial Co-Pay Card should explore the Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) program through Medicare rather than the BMSAF, since Medicare patients have a separate assistance pathway.
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How much does Eliquis cost at major pharmacy chains — price comparison? Approximate cash prices for 60 tablets of Eliquis 5 mg (30-day supply) at major U.S. pharmacies without discount cards: CVS ~$550–$600 · Walgreens ~$550–$630 · Rite Aid ~$530–$590 · Walmart ~$400–$550 · Costco ~$350–$450 (member pricing) · With GoodRx coupon: prices start around $357 at lowest-cost participating pharmacies; prices vary significantly by location — always compare using GoodRx.com before fillingPharmacy pricing for Eliquis is highly variable and geography-dependent — the same 60-tablet supply of Eliquis 5 mg can differ by $100–$200 between pharmacies in the same city. Chain pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens typically have the highest retail cash prices for brand-name drugs, consistently falling in the $550–$630/month range for Eliquis 5 mg without any discount program applied. Walmart pharmacy, despite its reputation for low prices, is mid-range for brand-name prescription drugs at roughly $400–$550/month for Eliquis. Costco pharmacy is the most consistently recommended cash-price option, with member pricing typically in the $350–$450 range — below most chain pharmacies’ prices. Discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, and similar platforms are accepted at participating pharmacies and can meaningfully reduce the cash price at most chains — bringing prices to the $357–$500 range at participating pharmacies, depending on location. The critical habit: before filling any Eliquis prescription, visit goodrx.com, enter your ZIP code and the exact medication (apixaban 5 mg, 60 tablets), and compare the prices at pharmacies near you. Prices fluctuate, and the lowest-price pharmacy in your area one month may not be the lowest the next. This comparison takes five minutes and can save $50–$150 per month for uninsured cash-paying patients. Pharmacy discount cards and the commercial insurance Co-Pay Card cannot be combined — use whichever provides the lower cost for your specific prescription and insurance situation.
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How much cheaper is Eliquis in other countries — and is it safe to buy from Canada or abroad? Eliquis costs dramatically less in other developed countries — Canadian pharmacies charge approximately $80–$120/month; verified international online pharmacies list 180 tablets of Eliquis 5 mg for as low as $100–$120 total; purchasing from international pharmacies for personal use is a legal gray area in the United States — it is technically prohibited by the FDA but generally not enforced for personal-use quantities; only purchase from pharmacies verified through PharmacyChecker.com, CIPA, or similar independent certification organizationsThe price disparity for Eliquis between the United States and comparable developed nations is among the most extreme examples of pharmaceutical price inequity documented by health policy researchers. Canadian pharmacies, UK pharmacies, and verified online pharmacies serving international patients charge approximately $80–$120/month for Eliquis 5 mg — a fraction of U.S. retail pricing. Some verified international online pharmacies list 180 tablets (three months’ supply) for as low as $100–$120 total. The legal situation for American patients purchasing from international pharmacies for personal use: technically, the FDA prohibits importing prescription drugs not approved through U.S. regulatory channels, and the FDA’s official position is that such purchases violate federal law. However, the FDA has a longstanding policy of generally not pursuing enforcement action against individuals importing small quantities (typically a 90-day personal supply) of medications for personal use when the drugs are for a serious condition and the individual is not reselling them. Some states have also enacted legislation supporting safe importation from Canada for state programs. If considering international pharmacy purchasing, only use pharmacies that are independently verified and certified — PharmacyChecker.com maintains a database of verified international pharmacies that have passed accreditation standards for prescription verification, medication quality, and security. Avoid any online pharmacy that sells without requiring a valid prescription, offers prices dramatically below even Canadian levels, or lacks verifiable accreditation — these are red flags for counterfeit medications.
Uninsured or underinsured patients with limited income may qualify for free Eliquis through the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. No Co-Pay Card required. Eligibility is income-based — generally household income at or below 200–400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A valid prescription from a U.S. licensed physician is required. Apply by calling 1-800-736-0003 or by visiting bms.com. Your doctor’s office can also apply on your behalf. Medicare patients should instead apply for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) through Social Security — call 1-800-772-1213.
Step 1 — Get a valid Eliquis prescription from your licensed healthcare provider if you don’t already have one.
Step 2 — Go to eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com or call 1-855-ELIQUIS (354-7847).
Step 3 — Select your condition (AFib, DVT, PE treatment, PE/DVT risk reduction, or knee/hip replacement).
Step 4 — Register your information — name, address, date of birth, and insurance information. The card can be received by email, text, or mail based on your preference.
Step 5 — Present the card at your pharmacy along with your prescription and insurance card. The pharmacist enters the card details, and your out-of-pocket cost is reduced to $10 for your first 30-day fill.
Step 6 — Subsequent fills: Approximately $30 for each 90-day fill, or $10 for each 30-day fill, for up to 24 months (maximum benefit $2,000/year).
Step 7 — Re-enrollment: After 24 months, contact BMS at 1-855-354-7847 to re-enroll if you still qualify. The card must be activated and used by December 31, 2026 under current program terms.
Free Trial Offer (First-time patients only): New Eliquis patients can receive a separate free 30-day first fill. Ask your pharmacist about the Free Trial Offer Card or call 1-855-354-7847 to request one. This is separate from the ongoing $10 Co-Pay Card.
Option 1 — Apply for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy):
Extra Help is a federal program for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources that dramatically lowers Part D drug costs. Qualifying patients typically pay just $4–$10 per prescription fill regardless of the drug’s actual cost — including Eliquis. Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Many Medicare patients who qualify never apply because they don’t realize they’re eligible — the income threshold is broader than many assume (up to approximately 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines).
Option 2 — Use Medicare Part D $2,100 Annual Cap (2026):
New in 2026, Medicare Part D limits your annual out-of-pocket spending on all covered prescriptions to $2,100. If you take multiple expensive medications, you may hit this cap relatively early in the year — after which all covered drugs cost you nothing through December 31. Calculate whether switching to monthly billing under the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (spreading costs across 12 monthly payments) helps your cash flow even if it doesn’t reduce total annual spending.
Option 3 — Compare Part D Plans During Open Enrollment:
The Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7 each year) allows you to switch Part D or Medicare Advantage plans. Different plans place Eliquis in different formulary tiers with different copay structures. Use Medicare’s Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare which Part D plans in your area offer the lowest Eliquis copay for the coming year. Plans that place Eliquis in Tier 2 (preferred brand) have lower copays than plans that classify it as Tier 3 or Tier 4 (non-preferred brand or specialty).
Option 4 — Ask your doctor about 90-day fills:
Some Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans offer a lower copay per fill for 90-day supplies versus 30-day supplies, and mail-order pharmacy fills often cost less than retail fills. Ask your plan and your doctor whether a 90-day supply prescription is appropriate for your situation.
How they work: GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, and similar services negotiate discounted prices directly with pharmacies in exchange for bringing business. You present a coupon (printed, phone app, or text) at the pharmacy counter, and the pharmacy applies the contracted discount price instead of the full retail price. These are not insurance — they are negotiated price agreements.
Step-by-step for Eliquis:
1. Go to goodrx.com (free, no registration required).
2. Search for “apixaban 5 mg” or “Eliquis 5 mg” and enter your ZIP code.
3. GoodRx shows the lowest available prices at pharmacies near you with a coupon.
4. Click “Get Free Coupon” for the lowest-price pharmacy — a coupon is generated instantly on screen.
5. Go to that pharmacy with your prescription and show the GoodRx coupon on your phone (or print it). Tell the pharmacist you want to use this coupon instead of your insurance.
6. Compare the GoodRx price against your insurance copay — use whichever is lower.
Important rules: You cannot combine GoodRx coupons with insurance at the same time — it’s one or the other per fill. You also cannot use GoodRx and the BMS Co-Pay Card simultaneously. Compare your options each month, as prices fluctuate.
Other options to compare: SingleCare.com, Blink Health, RxSaver, NeedyMeds.org. Each negotiates slightly different rates with different pharmacy networks — checking two or three takes under five minutes and can identify a materially lower price.
Eliquis (apixaban) belongs to the class of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Other medications in the same class that your doctor might consider depending on your specific condition and history include:
Xarelto (rivaroxaban): Once-daily dosing (vs. Eliquis’s twice-daily). Similar indications for AFib and DVT/PE. List price is comparable to Eliquis, but generic rivaroxaban is expected to become available sooner and some plans may have lower copays for Xarelto. Discuss dosing preferences and your plan’s formulary with your doctor.
Warfarin (generic Coumadin): A much older blood thinner that is available as a very inexpensive generic — often $4–$10/month for a 30-day supply at Walmart or Costco. However, warfarin requires regular INR blood testing (typically every few weeks) and has significant food and drug interactions that Eliquis does not. Some patients transition back to warfarin when cost becomes prohibitive, though this decision requires careful clinical evaluation.
The right conversation to have with your doctor: “I’m having difficulty affording Eliquis. Can we review whether warfarin, Xarelto, or another DOAC might be medically appropriate for me, and whether it would have a lower cost through my insurance plan?” Many insurance formularies cover one DOAC more favorably than others — your plan’s preferred DOAC may cost significantly less than Eliquis even if they’re clinically similar options for your condition.
These buttons link to official manufacturer, government, and verified savings sites. All savings programs are free to apply for. Never pay a fee to enroll in any prescription assistance program — legitimate programs are always free.
- Step 1 — Determine your insurance status and choose the right savings path. Commercially insured (private/employer): apply for the BMS $10 Co-Pay Card immediately. Medicare: apply for Extra Help through Social Security and compare your Part D plan at medicare.gov. Uninsured with low income: contact the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation at 1-800-736-0003 for potentially free medication. Uninsured and not low-income: compare pharmacy prices on GoodRx before every fill.
- Step 2 — Compare pharmacy prices before every fill — not just once. Eliquis cash prices at pharmacies in the same neighborhood can vary by $100–$200/month. Use GoodRx.com (free), enter your ZIP code and “apixaban 5 mg, 60 tablets,” and fill at the lowest-cost participating pharmacy. Costco pharmacy is consistently recommended for low cash prices. This comparison takes five minutes and can save $1,200–$2,400/year for uninsured patients.
- Step 3 — Ask your doctor about 90-day supply prescriptions. Many insurance plans and Medicare Advantage plans offer lower effective copays per dose when prescriptions are filled in 90-day (180-tablet) supplies versus 30-day supplies. Mail-order pharmacy fills are often the cheapest option for 90-day supplies. You’ll need your doctor to write a new 90-day prescription — ask specifically at your next appointment.
- Step 4 — If you’re on Medicare, compare plans every Open Enrollment period. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans place Eliquis at different formulary tiers with different copay structures. A plan that charges a $50 copay for Eliquis may be $40/month less than a plan charging $90 — a $480/year difference. The Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7 each year) is your annual opportunity to switch. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare.
- Step 5 — Never stop Eliquis suddenly — always talk to your doctor first. If cost is becoming an obstacle to consistently taking Eliquis, contact your doctor before missing doses or discontinuing the medication. Stopping Eliquis abruptly significantly increases stroke and clot risk. Your doctor may be able to provide samples, write a compassionate care application, change your plan, or find a temporary solution while a savings program application is processed. Medication samples are frequently available at cardiology offices for patients facing cost barriers.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, and no information here should be used to make medication decisions without consulting a licensed healthcare provider. Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medication that requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Never stop, start, or change your Eliquis dosage without your doctor’s direct guidance — sudden discontinuation increases stroke and blood clot risk. All pricing information reflects publicly available data as of the date of research and is subject to change at any time. Contact Bristol-Myers Squibb, your pharmacy, and your insurance provider to verify current program eligibility and pricing before making any changes to your prescription filling strategy.