Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Managing the cost of prescription medications can be challenging, especially for essential drugs like Eliquis. If you rely on Eliquis for blood clot prevention or stroke risk reduction, you might be wondering how to save on this pricey medication. The good news is that there are multiple ways to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. Let’s explore how you can make Eliquis more affordable.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is also prescribed for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and for preventing blood clots following hip or knee replacement surgery.
Eliquis works by inhibiting Factor Xa, an enzyme involved in blood clot formation. Unlike older blood thinners such as Warfarin, Eliquis does not require routine blood monitoring or dietary restrictions, making it a convenient option for many patients.
How Much Does Eliquis Cost?
If you don’t have insurance, Eliquis can be expensive, with a retail price of approximately $705 for 60 tablets (5 mg each). However, the cost varies depending on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy where you fill your prescription:
- Employer or private health insurance: Average copay of $43 per month
- Medicare prescription coverage: Average copay of $37 per month
- Medicaid: Typically as low as $3 per month
How to Save Money on Eliquis?
Check for Manufacturer Savings Programs Bristol-Myers Squibb, the maker of Eliquis, offers a Copay Savings Card for eligible patients. With this card, you may reduce your copay to as low as $10 per month for up to 24 months, with an annual savings cap of $6,400.
Explore Government Assistance Programs If you meet income requirements, programs like Medicare’s Extra Help or Medicaid can significantly reduce or even eliminate your Eliquis copay. These programs assist low-income individuals in covering prescription drug costs.
Ask About Alternative Medications Although Eliquis is highly effective, other generic blood thinners may be more affordable. Alternatives include:
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- Warfarin (Coumadin) – lowest-cost generic option
- Heparin – another blood thinner used in certain situations
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – a low molecular weight heparin available in generic form The RxLess® Assurance Plan offers free coupons that can significantly lower the cost of these generic medications. By downloading the free RxLess® app, you could reduce your cost by up to 88%, depending on your pharmacy. Simply search for Dabigatran, Warfarin, Heparin, or Enoxaparin in the app and present the discount coupon at the pharmacy counter when picking up your medication.
Compare Prices at Different Pharmacies The price of Eliquis can vary widely depending on the pharmacy. Use the RxLess® app to compare prices at multiple pharmacies and find the best discount before filling your prescription.
Can You Get Eliquis for Free?
Some patients may qualify for free Eliquis through assistance programs:
- Social Security Extra Help Program: This program can reduce your monthly copay to $0-$9.85 for those on Medicare with low income.
- Eliquis Free Trial Program: If you’re new to Eliquis, you might be eligible for a free 30-day supply through the manufacturer.
Affordable Generic Alternatives with the RxLess® Assurance Plan
If Eliquis is still too expensive or you are not eligible for the other ways to save, consider generic alternatives such as Dabigatran, Warfarin, Heparin, or Enoxaparin, which are effective and lower-cost options. With the RxLess® Assurance Plan, you can access deep discounts on generic blood thinners, ensuring you get the medication you need without overpaying. Download the RxLess® app today to check your savings and make your prescription costs more manageable!
