The High Cost of Eliquis Without Insurance
The retail price of Eliquis (apixaban) can be daunting for those without comprehensive prescription drug insurance. Without coverage, a 30-day supply (60 tablets of 5mg) may cost upwards of $800, with variations depending on the pharmacy. This high cost is primarily due to its status as a brand-name medication protected by a patent, which allows manufacturers to recoup research and development costs before generic versions become widely available. Although the FDA has approved generic apixaban, its widespread availability in the U.S. is currently delayed, potentially until 2028, due to ongoing patent litigation.
Factors Influencing Eliquis Pricing
The final price a patient pays for Eliquis is not a single fixed amount but is influenced by several factors:
- Insurance Coverage: The type of insurance (commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid) significantly impacts out-of-pocket costs, with different plans offering varying levels of coverage and potential access to manufacturer co-pay cards.
- Pharmacy: Prices for the same prescription can vary considerably between different pharmacies. Using a drug price comparison tool can help patients find lower costs at various locations.
- Dosage: While the cost per tablet is generally similar for different strengths, the total monthly cost will depend on the prescribed dosage and the number of tablets required.
- Assistance Programs and Coupons: Manufacturer programs, third-party coupons, and patient assistance foundations can substantially reduce the price for eligible patients.
Comparing Eliquis with Alternative Anticoagulants
Eliquis is one of several available anticoagulants. Other options, like warfarin, have different cost profiles and medical considerations. The table below compares Eliquis to some alternatives, focusing on costs for patients without insurance.
| Feature | Eliquis (Apixaban) | Warfarin | Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Type | Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) | Vitamin K Antagonist | Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) |
| Average Cost (without insurance) | ~$800 for a 30-day supply | ~$19 for a 30-day supply of generic | ~$550 for a 30-day supply |
| Generic Available | Not widely available in the U.S. due to patent issues | Yes, widely available and inexpensive | Yes, generic rivaroxaban may be available |
| Monitoring Required | No routine monitoring required | Requires regular INR blood tests | No routine monitoring required |
| Key Benefit | Convenient, fixed dose, fewer dietary restrictions | Inexpensive | Convenient, once-daily dosing |
| Drawback | Very expensive brand-name cost | Regular blood tests needed, sensitive to diet | Expensive brand-name cost |
How to Manage the Price of Eliquis
Given the high cost, especially without insurance, finding ways to manage the price of Eliquis is crucial for many patients. Several strategies can help reduce the financial burden:
- Manufacturer Co-pay Card: Commercially insured patients may be eligible for a co-pay card from the manufacturer, potentially lowering the monthly cost significantly, sometimes to as low as $10.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Uninsured patients facing financial difficulties may qualify for free Eliquis through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation.
- Discount Coupons: Websites such as GoodRx and SingleCare offer coupons that can reduce the cash price of Eliquis. These coupons can be used by anyone but cannot be combined with insurance.
- Medicare and the Inflation Reduction Act: Medicare enrollees may find their out-of-pocket costs more manageable through their plan. The Inflation Reduction Act is also expected to lower the cost of Eliquis for Medicare patients starting in 2026.
- Switching Pharmacies: Comparing prices at different pharmacies can lead to savings, as the cash price for Eliquis can vary. Using online tools to compare prices in your local area is recommended.
- Consider a 90-Day Supply: Obtaining a 90-day supply, often through mail-order pharmacies, might reduce the overall cost per pill and decrease the frequency of refills.
- Discuss Alternatives: Patients can talk to their healthcare provider about less expensive anticoagulant options, like generic warfarin, to weigh the cost against other factors like monitoring requirements.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Price Tag Requires a Proactive Approach
The cost of Eliquis is not uniform, varying greatly depending on insurance status and access to savings programs. While the list price without insurance is high, options like manufacturer co-pay cards, patient assistance programs, and discount coupons can significantly reduce the cost for eligible individuals. The future availability of generics and upcoming Medicare price negotiations are expected to further impact the price. Patients should actively explore these options and discuss them with their doctor and pharmacist to ensure they can afford their medication. Information on patient assistance is available on the Bristol Myers Squibb website.
List of Cost-Saving Strategies
- Enroll in the manufacturer's $10 Co-pay Card if you have commercial insurance.
- Apply to the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation for potential free medication if you are uninsured and facing financial hardship.
- Use a discount coupon or savings card from a service like GoodRx or SingleCare for a reduced cash price.
- For Medicare beneficiaries, inquire about the Medicare Extra Help program for lower costs.
- Compare prices at different retail pharmacies, as costs can vary widely.
- Consider a 90-day supply from a mail-order pharmacy, which may lower the overall cost per pill and reduce trips to the pharmacy.
- Discuss less expensive alternatives, like generic warfarin, with your doctor, weighing cost against convenience and other factors.
