According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular diseases are the world\u2019s leading cause of death, resulting in one person dying every 33 seconds. Heart attack and stroke are among the most common types of cardiovascular disease. While there are many treatments available for these conditions, blood thinners are among the most commonly prescribed, with more than 2 million people taking blood thinners each day.<\/p>\n
Although the cost of blood thinners varies, they can be expensive and may require additional planning from some consumers. Below, we’ll take a look at the cost of blood thinners, with and without insurance, and give examples of ways to save on the costs of your blood thinner medication.<\/p>\n
\u201cInsurance companies generally cover blood thinners since they greatly reduce hospitalizations and further complications of various health issues,\u201d says Erika Gray, Pharm.D., cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of My Toolbox Genomics. \u201cNewer blood thinners on the market typically have a higher cost, and therefore a harder time being covered.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether insurance will cover the cost of your prescription medication will depend on your specific plan and insurance coverage. Although not all blood thinners will be covered, most insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans will cover some blood thinner medications.<\/p>\n
Medicaid coverage<\/a> varies depending on the state, as each state has the ability to determine which prescription drugs it will include in its formulary, or drug list.<\/p>\n Medicare may cover blood thinner medication under Part A (hospital insurance) as part of your medical care during a hospital stay. Otherwise, you\u2019ll likely need Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) with drug coverage or Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) to get coverage for your blood thinner<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check your plan\u2019s drug formulary to determine whether your prescribed blood thinner is covered by your health plan. In certain cases, you may be required to get prior authorization<\/a> before your health insurance plan will cover the cost of your medication. You may also be required to try one or more cheaper alternatives prior to moving on to newer or more expensive medications\u2014a process known as step therapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n RELATED: <\/b>How much does <\/b>Eliquis<\/b> cost with <\/b>Medicare<\/b>?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Blood thinners<\/a> don\u2019t actually thin the blood but, instead, prevent blood clots from forming and keep clots that have already formed from getting bigger.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are two major types of blood thinners that are currently used: anticoagulants and antiplatelets,\u201d Dr. Gray<\/a> says. \u201cAnticoagulants slow down and inhibit the body’s process of making blood clots. Antiplatelet medications prevent platelet cells from clumping together and forming a clot.\u201d All prescription blood thinners are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<\/p>\nHow much do blood thinners cost without insurance?<\/h2>\n