Last Updated on November 13, 2024
If you’re paying too much for Eliquis, you’re not alone. Many patients find its cost overwhelming. We know this firsthand from the many calls and inquiries we receive from people struggling to afford it. With a list price close to $600 and limited assistance options, it’s understandable why so many patients seek help.
What many people don’t realize is that there are programs to help with Eliquis costs. The problem is that most people don’t know where to look. NeedyMeds has spent over two decades referring people to affordable healthcare resources. We have resources for hundreds of drugs – including Eliquis.
In this blog, we’ll cover key programs that help patients afford Eliquis. Whether you have commercial insurance, government insurance, or none at all, we’ll explore solutions that can help. We’ll also dive into why Eliquis is so expensive and what’s being done about it.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis, also called apixaban, is a blood thinner that helps prevent blood clots and strokes. Doctors prescribe it for people with conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which increase the risk of dangerous clots. Eliquis works by blocking certain proteins in the blood that cause clotting.
Eliquis belongs to a newer group of blood thinners called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Similar medications include Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran). Unlike older blood thinners, these DOACs need less frequent blood testing and have fewer dietary restrictions, making them easier for many people to use.
Why is Eliquis So Expensive?
Many reasons contribute to Eliquis’s high price. The big one is patent protections, which is explained in a fairly new report by Accountable.US (check it out – it’s a great article).
Drug companies also employ tactics like “pay for delay,” where they pay generic manufacturers to stay out of the market, keeping prices high.
Another strategy, known as “evergreening,” involves making minor tweaks to a drug’s formula to secure additional patents, extending exclusivity.
These practices create “patent thickets” that make it harder and more expensive for competitors to bring lower-cost generics to market.
Fortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allows Medicare to negotiate prices for the first time. Eliquis is one of 10 drugs that will go into price negotiations for 2026. Until then, patients have access to the following resources.
How Can I Save On Eliquis With Commercial Insurance?
Bristol Myers Squibb offers the Eliquis Copay Card for patients with commercial insurance. This card helps cover any remaining out-of-pocket costs not covered by your insurance, reducing your payment to $10 per prescription. The copay card is valid for up to two years with an annual cap of $6,400.
There’s also a Free 30-Day Trial Offer, which provides a month’s supply (up to 74 tablets) for new patients. This trial lets you try the drug without committing to high costs upfront. To use this offer, you’ll need a valid 30-day prescription from your doctor.
Patients can activate these offers by going to their website or by calling 1-855-354-7847. As always, we recommend reading the terms and conditions for both of these programs. That’s certainly essential for the programs coming up next.
How Can I Save on Eliquis With Government Insurance?
Government insurance patients, like those on Medicare or Medicaid, aren’t eligible for the Eliquis Copay Card. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any programs available for them. Here are some Eliquis resources we usually recommend to people on government insurance:
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPS)
20 years ago, Dr. Richard Sagall founded NeedyMeds after he realized that there wasn’t a resource that allowed users to easily access PAPs. Years later, we list over 400 PAPs on our website for many medications – including Eliquis.
The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation offers Eliquis at no cost for eligible patients. This program is for patients who are uninsured or on Medicare Part D (who meet specific criteria). You must complete the application with the help of your primary care provider.
We know how difficult the landscape of PAPs can be – that’s why NeedyMeds was started. For everything you need to know about this PAP, head on over to our website. We always stress the importance of reading the terms and conditions on the application (otherwise it might be denied). Call the program at 800-736-0003 for more information.
Medicare Part D Extra Help Program
Another option to look at is the Medicare Part D Extra Help Program, sometimes called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). This program is designed to help people with limited income and resources afford their Part D coverage. Part D is the part of Medicare that covers prescription drugs, like premiums, deductibles, and copays. You can apply for this at any time – there’s no need to wait for a specific enrollment period.
In 2024, individuals earning up to $22,590, with resources below $17,220, may qualify. For married couples, the income limit is $30,660, with a resource cap of $34,360.
Resource limits are the maximum value of assets a person can have and still qualify, including bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, while excluding items like your primary home, one vehicle, and some retirement accounts. These limits are updated annually, so check Medicare.gov for the latest requirements.
Qualified individuals may pay as little as $11.20 for brand-name drugs, including Eliquis. For more information, apply online or call 1-800-772-1213.
Find Help With Eliquis Now
If you or someone you know needs help with affording Eliquis, please visit our website. We provide detailed information on each program, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and contact information. We also offer a toll-free helpline (800-503-6897) where our representatives can assist you with navigating these options.
