How much is Eliquis without insurance?

In this article:

• Is Eliquis covered by insurance?
• How much does Eliquis cost without insurance?
• How to get Eliquis without insurance

In this article

• Is Eliquis covered by insurance?
• How much does Eliquis cost without insurance?
• How to get Eliquis without insurance

Eliquis (apixaban) is a brand-name prescription drug used to prevent or treat blood clots that could develop into severe medical problems. It belongs to the Factor Xa inhibitor class and is prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (a form of irregular heartbeat), to prevent blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, or to prevent or treat blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs. Most people will take 2.5 mg twice daily to 10 mg twice daily. Eliquis is recommended as a short-term treatment but can be continued for as long as needed for some conditions. As with all drugs that interfere with blood clotting, the most concerning side effects are bleeding problems.

Unfortunately, there is currently no generic version of Eliquis on the market and no over-the-counter alternatives, so patients without insurance may need to pay full retail price for this brand-name medication. However, there are several ways to save money on a drug like Eliquis.

Is Eliquis covered by insurance?

Eliquis is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D. 

How much does Eliquis cost without insurance?

Eliquis prices will vary based on the pharmacy. The average retail price of Eliquis without insurance is $790 for a 30-day prescription of 60, 5 mg tablets, the dosage prescribed to people with atrial fibrillation or serious blood clots like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. That averages to about $26 per day or $13 per tablet. For people with health insurance coverage, copay costs will vary depending on the insurance plan, but out-of-pocket costs are generally lower than the full cash price.

There are alternatives to Eliquis that may be less expensive. Healthcare providers may prescribe lower-cost blood thinners: warfarin, Arixtra (fondaparinux), or Pradaxa (dabigatran). All are FDA-approved for some of the medical conditions that are treated by Eliquis. However, some medications like warfarin require regular monitoring, which may add to the cost.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing.

How to get Eliquis without insurance

Paying for expensive brand-name medications without insurance is not easy for the average person. Eliquis is no exception. Fortunately, there are alternatives to paying full price for an Eliquis prescription without insurance. Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs are sometimes available, but only some are eligible for these discounts. Start by asking the prescribing healthcare provider if the manufacturer, Bristol Myers Squibb, offers a manufacturer savings program. Here are, however, some more foolproof ways for people who take Eliquis to save money:

1. Use a SingleCare coupon

A SingleCare coupon reduces the out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply of Eliquis from $790 to $487. Check SingleCare.com for a savings card or coupon for a participating pharmacy near you. Coupons can be printed, emailed, or texted to your smartphone. 

2. Consider Medicaid

People on Medicaid pay an average of $3 for a 30-day prescription of Eliquis, while some patients pay as little as $0.

3. Shop around

Eliquis prices will vary by pharmacy. Use SingleCare to find the pharmacy with the lowest price. There are lower-cost pharmacies that may offer significant savings, particularly those associated with large retail operations. Online mail-order pharmacies are another great savings option, but make sure the pharmacy is legitimate before placing an order.

4. Ask the prescriber about alternative medications

Ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice about less expensive prescription medications. Other direct factor Xa inhibitors such as Xarelto (apixaban) are also expensive, but you may be able to take less expensive medications such as warfarin.

5. Talk to county or city health officials

County and municipal health departments may be able to help people find resources or lower-priced medications. They can direct people to community health clinics that may offer lower-cost or free medications. They can also direct eligible patients to free or low-cost health insurance programs. These clinics and health insurance programs will have eligibility requirements. Some of these programs cover only major medical problems, and some serve only children or people with low incomes, but all are worth knowing about.

6. Consider health insurance

Many of the medical conditions treated by Eliquis involve long-term complications and risks. In that situation, exploring health insurance options is often more affordable. Start with the online healthcare insurance marketplace to check out options and prices.