How to get Eliquis cheaper on Medicare

Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that’s part of a class of drugs called direct factor Xa inhibitors. It works by neutralizing the effects of enzymes that form blood clots, which in turn, helps reduce the chance of forming life-threatening blood clots and lowers the risk of stroke. Although it’s an effective blood thinner, it can be expensive, costing an average of $815 for 60, 5 mg tablets. Although Medicare Part D may cover Eliquis, the copay can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or eliminate the cost of this medication.

RELATED: Eliquis side effects

Why is Eliquis so expensive?

Eliquis is an expensive but effective direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). According to Alain Tanbe, MD, a fellowship-trained, board-certified vascular surgeon at The Vascular Center at Mercy Medical Center, Eliquis treats and prevents several vascular conditions. Eliquis is used to:

• Treat a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)

• Treat certain heart conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib)

• Prevent blood clots mainly after orthopedic procedures

• Prevent or treat ischemic stroke

Eliquis may be prescribed as a long-term therapy or as a “bridge” therapy to help you recover from a recent surgery or procedure. Because it’s often taken twice daily, the cost may be high and burdensome for many patients, including those on Medicare.

Another reason for its high cost is that there is no generic alternative.

Does Medicare cover Eliquis?

Medicare typically covers Eliquis, although coverage varies by plan and other factors.

Medicare has four different parts that cover different services:

• Medicare Part A may cover Eliquis when administered in an inpatient setting, such as during a hospital stay.

• Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and, therefore, does not cover Eliquis.

• Medicare Part C will cover Eliquis if it is administered in an inpatient setting (see Part A above) or if the Part C plan includes prescription drug coverage and it is on the plan’s formulary (see Part D below).

• Medicare Part D covers prescription medications that are taken at home. It is the most likely part of Medicare to cover your Eliquis prescription if it is included in your plan’s drug formulary.

In general, Medicare Part D plans, also known as the prescription drug benefit, cover Eliquis. You’ll be responsible for your monthly premiums and yearly deductible, as well as copays for your prescription medicines.

For 2025, the maximum deductible for Part D coverage is $590. This means that you’re responsible for up to your first $590 in prescription drug costs before coverage becomes available. Your annual deductible is based on your income and could change each year.

If you do not have Part D coverage, you can add it during Open Enrollment or during a Special Enrollment Period, but a late enrollment penalty may apply in some instances.

RELATED: How to avoid the Medicare Part D penalty?

How much does Eliquis cost with Medicare?

The average retail price of a 30-day supply of Eliquis is typically $815 for 60, 5 mg tablets. However, those on Medicare can access a discounted rate through their Part D plan. How much you’ll pay for Eliquis with Medicare Part D depends on why it is prescribed. According to the manufacturer, patients with DVT/PE pay an average of $44 per month, and patients with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem pay an average of $54 per month. However, coverage varies by plan, and some may require prior authorization or step therapy.

Prior authorization for Eliquis

Since Eliquis is expensive and a brand-name-only drug, your healthcare provider may have to submit the proper paperwork to your plan prior to your pharmacy dispensing it. This is known as a prior authorization, which requires your plan to “pre-approve” the medication before you can begin taking it. Once your plan approves Eliquis, you should be able to get your medication and pay your Medicare Part D copay.

Step therapy for Eliquis

Your plan may also require you to first try one or more other medications before seeking coverage for Eliquis. This is known as step therapy. Step therapy ensures that you’ve tried cheaper alternative medications before moving on to newer treatments.

The pharmacy will notify your healthcare provider if prior authorization or step therapy is required. You can also see if step therapy is required by reviewing your specific plan using the Medicare plan finder tool. Your healthcare provider will then submit the proper documents to request that your insurance company cover the medication. Prior authorization may take several days, so you may need to be patient before receiving coverage and starting treatment.

How to get Eliquis for cheaper on Medicare

Eliquis assistance for Medicare patients exists in the form of the Medicare Extra Help program. Those who qualify for Medicare Extra Help may ‌pay as little as $0 per month but no more than $12.15 per month for Eliquis. The Extra Help program is available to those on Medicare who have limited income and resources.

Other ways to save on Eliquis

There are other ways you can save money on Eliquis. Some of these options, such as manufacturer copay cards and coupons, are short-term savings tools. But there are also some long-term strategies ‌to consider. For example, you can talk to your healthcare provider about Eliquis alternatives that may be more affordable. Keep in mind that a generic version of Eliquis will be available in November 2026, which should be more affordable.

Your SingleCare prescription discount card can help you save up to 80% on medications like Eliquis and other anticoagulants. Anyone in the U.S. can use free Eliquis coupons at participating pharmacy locations nationwide, regardless of insurance or Medicare status, but they cannot be combined with insurance or Medicare. A 30-day supply of Eliquis costs about $488 with SingleCare.

Always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider before discontinuing Eliquis or switching to a new medication.

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• How much does Medicare drug coverage cost? Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• How much does Eliquis cost? Bristol Myers Squibb

• Explore your Medicare coverage options, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Generic drugs: Questions & answers, Food and Drug Administration (2021)