The cost of Eliquis is a major concern for the millions of Americans who rely on this blood thinner to prevent stroke and blood clots. Without insurance, the cost of Eliquis can reach $600 or more per month, placing a heavy financial burden on patients who need this medication long term.
Eliquis (apixaban) is one of the most prescribed anticoagulants in the United States, used primarily to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While its clinical benefits are well documented by the NIH and the American Heart Association, its price tag has made it a frequent topic of conversation among patients and healthcare advocates alike. This costs guide covers everything you need to know about what Eliquis costs and how to pay less.
What Is the Retail Price of Eliquis Without Insurance?
Without insurance or discount programs, the list price of Eliquis in 2026 is approximately:
- 5 mg twice daily (standard dose): $550 to $650 per month for 60 tablets
- 2.5 mg twice daily (reduced dose): $550 to $650 per month for 60 tablets
Both dosage strengths carry a similar price because the medication is priced per tablet rather than by milligram. This means patients on the lower dose do not save money compared to those on the standard dose.
The annual cost of Eliquis without insurance ranges from approximately $6,600 to $7,800, making it one of the most expensive commonly prescribed medications in the country. For patients managing conditions like atrial fibrillation, this represents a significant ongoing expense.
How Much Does Eliquis Cost With Insurance?
Insurance coverage substantially reduces what most patients pay for Eliquis, though the amount depends on plan type and formulary placement.
- Commercial insurance (preferred brand tier): $30 to $90 per month copay
- Commercial insurance (non-preferred brand tier): $75 to $200 per month copay
- Medicare Part D: Varies widely by plan. Under the Inflation Reduction Act’s $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap (effective 2025), Medicare beneficiaries now pay significantly less overall. Monthly costs typically range from $20 to $100 depending on the plan and coverage phase
- Medicaid: Usually covered with minimal copay, often $0 to $3 per prescription
Prior authorization is generally not required for Eliquis when prescribed for FDA-approved indications, which helps streamline access for most insured patients.
Is There a Generic Version of Eliquis?
As of early 2026, generic apixaban has begun entering the U.S. market following the expiration of key patents. This is a significant development for patients concerned about the cost of Eliquis.
Generic apixaban is expected to cost 40 to 80 percent less than the brand-name version once multiple manufacturers are producing it. Early generic pricing has been reported in the range of $150 to $350 per month without insurance, though prices are expected to decrease further as competition increases.
The FDA’s approval of generic apixaban confirms that these versions meet the same standards for safety, efficacy, and quality as the brand-name product. Patients should ask their pharmacist whether a generic is available and discuss switching with their prescriber.
How to Save Money on Eliquis
Whether or not generic apixaban is available at your pharmacy, several strategies can help reduce your costs.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Savings Card
The manufacturer offers a co-pay savings card for eligible patients with commercial insurance. With this card, qualifying patients may pay as little as $10 per month for their Eliquis prescription. The card is not available to patients on government-funded insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.
Patient Assistance Programs
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer jointly offer a patient assistance program for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements. Eligible patients can receive Eliquis at no cost. Income limits are generally set at 300 percent of the federal poverty level or below.
Prescription Discount Programs
GoodRx, RxSaver, and similar platforms can provide discounts of 10 to 30 percent off the retail price. While this still leaves a substantial cost, every dollar saved matters for patients paying out of pocket.
Mail-Order Pharmacies
Many insurance plans offer reduced pricing for 90-day supplies through mail-order pharmacies. This can lower the per-month cost and reduce the number of pharmacy visits. Check with your insurer to see if this option is available.
Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources may qualify for the Extra Help program, which significantly reduces prescription drug costs. CMS reports that millions of eligible beneficiaries have not yet enrolled in this program.
Eliquis vs. Other Blood Thinners: Cost Comparison
Eliquis is not the only anticoagulant option. Comparing alternatives can help patients and providers find the best balance of efficacy and affordability.
| Medication | Monthly Cost (Without Insurance) | Generic Available | Dosing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliquis (apixaban) | $550 – $650 | Yes (2026) | Twice daily |
| Xarelto (rivaroxaban) | $500 – $600 | Yes | Once daily |
| Warfarin (generic) | $10 – $30 | Yes | Once daily |
| Pradaxa (dabigatran) | $450 – $550 | Yes | Twice daily |
| Savaysa (edoxaban) | $400 – $500 | No | Once daily |
Warfarin remains the most affordable option by a wide margin, but it requires regular blood monitoring (INR testing) and has more dietary restrictions and drug interactions. The American College of Cardiology and NIH note that newer direct oral anticoagulants like Eliquis offer a more predictable response and lower risk of intracranial bleeding compared to warfarin.
What Factors Influence the Price You Pay?
Multiple variables determine the actual cost of Eliquis for any individual patient:
- Insurance plan formulary: Whether Eliquis is on a preferred or non-preferred tier directly affects your copay
- Deductible status: Patients who have not met their annual deductible may pay the full retail price until the deductible is satisfied
- Pharmacy selection: Prices can vary by $50 to $100 between pharmacies in the same area
- Generic availability: As generic apixaban becomes more widely stocked, prices should drop considerably
- Quantity and supply duration: 90-day supplies often offer better per-unit pricing than 30-day fills
Why Is Eliquis So Expensive?
Several factors have contributed to the high cost of Eliquis over the years. The medication was jointly developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, involving extensive clinical trials including the landmark ARISTOTLE trial. Patent protections allowed the manufacturers to set pricing without generic competition for over a decade. Additionally, Eliquis became the top-selling drug in the United States by revenue, indicating strong demand that supported sustained high pricing.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the lack of price negotiation for Medicare Part D drugs historically allowed manufacturers to raise prices with minimal pushback. The Inflation Reduction Act has begun to address this issue, and Eliquis was among the first drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut Eliquis tablets in half to save money?
No. Eliquis tablets should not be split, crushed, or chewed. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets are priced the same, so splitting would not save money and could result in inaccurate dosing that compromises your safety.
Will the cost of Eliquis drop now that generics are available?
Yes, generic competition is expected to drive prices down significantly over the next one to two years. As more generic manufacturers enter the market, prices typically fall to a fraction of the brand-name cost. Patients should check with their pharmacy regularly for updated generic pricing.
Is Eliquis covered by Medicare?
Yes, Eliquis is covered by most Medicare Part D plans. With the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap now in effect, Medicare beneficiaries have much more predictable costs. Additionally, the Medicare price negotiation program is expected to further reduce costs for this medication.
What if I cannot afford Eliquis and do not have insurance?
Apply for the manufacturer’s patient assistance program, which provides the medication free to qualifying patients. You can also ask your doctor about switching to warfarin, which costs as little as $10 per month, or explore whether generic apixaban is available at your pharmacy at a lower price.
Are there over-the-counter alternatives to Eliquis?
No. There are no over-the-counter substitutes for prescription anticoagulants. Aspirin is sometimes used for certain cardiovascular conditions but is not a replacement for Eliquis in patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your anticoagulation therapy.
Final Takeaway
The cost of Eliquis has long been a challenge for patients, but the landscape is improving with the arrival of generic apixaban and Medicare price negotiation. Without insurance, expect to pay $550 to $650 per month for the brand name, but significantly less for the generic version. Take advantage of manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs, and prescription discount tools to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. For more information on managing healthcare expenses, explore our costs guide and learn about treatment options for atrial fibrillation.