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Key takeaways
Many people who need Eliquis to prevent or treat blood clots might have concerns about costs with insurance.
Aetna is an insurance company that typically covers Eliquis but may require prior authorization.
Without insurance coverage, 60, 5 mg tablets of Eliquis could cost almost $800.
Eliquis is a brand-name drug and anticoagulant with FDA approval. The name of the generic drug is the same as the medication’s active ingredient: apixaban. However, a generic version is not currently available.
People may take prescription medications like this one for various reasons, such as the prevention or treatment of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE), and the prevention of strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. When it comes to costs and coverage, Eliquis is typically covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare Part D and some state Medicaid programs.
Does Aetna cover Eliquis?
Medication coverage varies by insurance policy and plan, and health insurance falls under state regulations more than federal regulations, as the Kaiser Family Foundation points out. As far as Aetna and their plans, at least some cover Eliquis. For example, the 2025 Advanced Control Plan covers a 5 mg oral tablet and a 2.5 mg oral tablet.
Prior authorization with the health insurance company is often needed. In short, they want to know the underlying diagnosis or reason for the treatment. “The criteria for a prior authorization for Eliquis usually is either treatment for DVT or pulmonary embolism,” says Dr. Deepak Khanna, DO, an internist and family medicine physician at UPenn and the founder of dandRX, an FDA-approved anti-dandruff shampoo. “Or especially in those patients who are recently postoperative, they usually require a 30- to 45-day Eliquis dose to prevent a DVT.”
If a patient has DVT, it may show up in ultrasound imaging or D-dimer blood test results. There is generally no special preparation required to get accurate results on a D-dimer test.
Eliquis can prevent other conditions, too, he continues, such as a stroke in patients who have a history of multiple strokes. However, this would be an off-label use.
How to get approved for Eliquis
Healthcare providers are in charge of getting patients approved. “Typically, when I am tasked to do a prior authorization … It involves me calling the prior authorization phone number,” Dr. Khanna says. “I explain to them the rationale for why the patient needs this medication and why no other medication would be beneficial for this patient.”
That’s why healthcare providers are needed here: They affirm the medical necessity for an individual patient to get Eliquis. “If Eliquis is indeed what this patient requires in order to treat their medical condition successfully, I usually go out of my way to make sure that the patient gets the dose,” Dr. Khanna continues.
Medical professionals are also helpful in that they create different treatment plans when problems occur. For example: “If the patient requires an anticoagulation medication like Eliquis, but the prior authorization is denied, then I will look at alternatives like Coumadin,” Dr. Khanna says.
If you have additional questions or want more information or tips on getting approved for Eliquis, talk to a medical assistant or medical provider. Most practices aim to provide thorough service that leads to the highest patient satisfaction.
How much does Eliquis cost?
Without insurance, Eliquis typically costs $799 for 60, 5 mg tablets at state-licensed pharmacies. Although insurance may help cover the cost of Eliquis, additional charges may apply. The average copay varies, but is about $39 per month or even as low as $10 per month when it’s prescribed for a DVT or PE.
Save up to 80% on Eliquis with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
How to check whether your Aetna plan covers Eliquis
Checking which prescription drugs your Aetna plan covers is quick and straightforward. You’ll use Aetna’s website and complete the following steps:
- Go to Aetna’s prescription drug list page.
- Select your plan year and plan name using the dropdown boxes.
- Click the link that pops up below.
- Click the “Find medicine” button.
- Type “Eliquis” in the “Brand and Generic Name Search” box and click “Search.”
- See what comes up.
How to save on Eliquis
For people who don’t have insurance and need help covering the costs of Eliquis, SingleCare offers prescription discount cards, including an Eliquis coupon and coupons for additional medications. All you need to do is click “Get free coupon” under the store you plan to get the medication from, and show the virtual card to the pharmacist.
Patients may also be able to save on Eliquis by signing up for mail-order prescriptions or government assistance programs. Visit the manufacturer’s website to see if the manufacturer offers savings options like coupon cards or other programs. You can also ask a healthcare provider about alternatives or changing health insurance plans. Those who have already picked up their Eliquis prescription at their local pharmacy can consider these options next time.
- The regulation of private health insurance, Kaiser Family Foundation (2024)
- 2025 FI advanced control plan, Aetna (2025)
- Eliquis (apixaban) label, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2025)
- How much does Eliquis cost?, Bristol Myers Squibb
- Find out if your medication is covered, Aetna (2025)
- Dr. Deepak Khanna, DO, internist and family medicine physician at UPenn and the founder of dandRX, an FDA-approved anti-dandruff shampoo