Key takeaways:
Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner used to treat and prevent blood clots in adults and children. It also helps lower the risk of stroke in adults living with atrial fibrillation.
Without insurance, 60 tablets of Eliquis 5 mg cost an average of $730.32. But you can pay as little as $350.59 for the same quantity and dose with a GoodRx discount.
Eliquis is covered by nearly all insurance types. Some plans require prior authorization, but step therapy is uncommon.
New Eliquis users may receive a free 30-day trial offer from the manufacturer. If you have commercial insurance and meet other qualifications, you may pay as little as $10 for a 30-day supply or your first 90-day supply with the manufacturer’s copay card.
Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner known as a direct-acting oral anticoagulant medication (DOAC). It helps treat and prevent blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism). Eliquis also helps lower the risk of stroke in people living with an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (A-fib).
Eliquis comes as a tablet taken twice a day by mouth, and the recommended dosage depends on the health condition being treated. It’s also approved as a sprinkle capsule and a tablet for oral suspension (liquid), which are generally prescribed for children. Generic versions of Eliquis have been approved by the FDA, but they won’t be available until at least 2028.
The cost of Eliquis can vary based on a few factors. But you can reduce what you pay with a GoodRx discount or if you’re eligible for one of the manufacturer’s financial assistance programs.
How much does Eliquis cost?
The manufacturer’s list price for a 30-day supply of Eliquis is around $606, as of January 2025. But retail prices are often higher due to pharmacy and wholesaler markups.
Without insurance or discounts, 60 tablets of Eliquis 5 mg cost about $730.32. Your cost for the medication can vary widely depending on the pharmacy you choose, your insurance coverage, and other factors.
Here’s a breakdown of typical retail prices for Eliquis at various pharmacies:
Brand-name Eliquis quantity and form | Dose | Average retail price |
|---|---|---|
60 tablets | 2.5 mg | |
180 tablets | 2.5 mg | |
60 tablets | 5 mg | |
30-day starter pack of 5 mg (contains 74 tablets) | 5 mg | |
180 tablets | 5 mg |
Which factors affect the cost of Eliquis?
Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for Eliquis, including:
Where you live: Prescription medication prices can vary by location. GoodRx research shows that someone in Tampa, Florida, often pays less for prescriptions than someone in New Orleans, for example.
Pharmacy: Pharmacies can charge differently for prescription medications, even those in the same neighborhood.
Insurance: Most insurance plans cover Eliquis. But you may still have out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.
Discounts: You can lower your cost for Eliquis if you use a GoodRx discount or qualify for one of the manufacturer’s financial assistance programs.
Does insurance cover Eliquis?
Nearly all insurance types, including Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, and commercial plans, cover Eliquis.
Prior authorization is rare for Medicare enrollees, but it may be required for some people with ACA and commercial plans. And about 1 in 12 Medicaid enrollees need prior authorization. Step therapy rules (trying other medications first) are uncommon for all plan types.
To learn about your coverage for Eliquis and costs, check your health plan’s formulary or contact your insurer directly.
How different insurance plans cover Eliquis
The table below shows how coverage for Eliquis compares across different insurance types, along with the likelihood of having prior authorization and step therapy requirements.
Medication costs too high? Use these tips to save money on prescription medications.
You can use your health savings account (HSA) to pay for Eliquis. Here’s how your HSA can help cover the cost of several qualifying medical expenses, including Eliquis.
Eliquis side effects: Pharmacists explain what to watch for when taking Eliquis and serious side effects that may require medical attention.
Insurance type | Enrollees covered for Eliquis 5 mg tablet | Enrollees required to get prior authorization | Enrollees required to do step therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
100% | 5% | 1.2% | |
Commercial plans (excluding ACA plans) | 99.6% | 8.1% | 0.9% |
Medicare, including original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans | 99.7% | 0.2% | 0% |
Medicaid, including state-run and managed care plans | 99.9% | 12.2% | 0.9% |
Source: Managed Markets Insight & Technology, LLC™, as of September 11, 2025. (See methodology below.)
Here are some options if your insurance doesn’t cover Eliquis or if your out-of-pocket costs are too high:
Check if you’re eligible for one of the manufacturer’s financial assistance programs (see below for more information).
Discuss other DOACs, such as Pradaxa (dabigatran) or Xarelto (rivaroxaban), with your prescriber. These alternatives may have lower out-of-pocket costs.
Ask your insurance to cover Eliquis by submitting a formulary exception. Your prescriber may need to submit supporting documentation and a letter of medical necessity explaining why you need this specific medication.
If the exception request is denied, file an appeal to have the decision reconsidered.
Compare health plans during open enrollment, and consider switching to one that covers the medications you need.
Ways to save on Eliquis
Paying for Eliquis out of pocket can mean spending hundreds of dollars each month. But here are eight ways to reduce your costs:
1. Use a GoodRx discount
A free GoodRx discount could help lower the cost of your Eliquis prescription. The table below shows what you may pay with these savings at some pharmacies:
Brand-name Eliquis quantity and form | Dose | GoodRx price (as low as) |
|---|---|---|
60 tablets | 2.5 mg | |
180 tablets | 2.5 mg | |
60 tablets | 5 mg | |
30-day starter pack of 5 mg (1 carton) | 5 mg | |
180 tablets | 5 mg |
To get your discount:
Visit www.goodrx.com, or download the app.
Search for “Eliquis,” and click on “Find the lowest prices.”
Select your dose and quantity.
Choose how you’d like to receive the coupon: text, email, or printout. If you’re using the app, keep the coupon ready on your phone, or save it to your digital wallet.
Tell the pharmacist you’ll be using a GoodRx discount before they process your prescription to avoid delays at checkout.
2. Get a free 30-day trial offer from the manufacturer
If you’re new to Eliquis, you may be eligible for a free 30-day supply through the manufacturer’s trial offer.
To qualify, you must:
Have a valid 30-day prescription for Eliquis
Have never filled an Eliquis prescription before
Be prescribed Eliquis for an FDA-approved use that a healthcare professional plans to treat for more than 35 days
Live in the U.S. or an eligible U.S. territory
You’ll need to present the trial card along with your prescription at a participating pharmacy to receive a free 30-day supply (up to 74 tablets) at no cost.
The offer is limited to one use per person and can’t be combined with other discounts, coupons, or assistance programs. You can’t use it if you’re enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance programs. The card must be activated and used by December 31, 2026.
3. Apply for the manufacturer’s copay savings card
The Eliquis Co-Pay Card could reduce your costs to as little as $10 for a 30-day supply or your first 90-day supply if you meet the qualification requirements. After that, refills may cost about $30 for a 90-day supply for up to 24 months, with a maximum annual savings of $6,400.
To be eligible, you must:
Have commercial insurance that covers at least part of the cost for Eliquis
Not be enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, or any other government insurance program
Live in the U.S. or an eligible U.S. territory
The card can’t be combined with other discounts or offers and isn’t available for prescriptions already costing $10 or less. You must activate and use the card by December 31, 2026. After it expires, you can reenroll if you continue to meet the qualifications.
4. See if you qualify for the Bristol Myers Squibb patient assistance program
If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford your Eliquis prescription and meet eligibility requirements, you may receive the medication free of charge through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation.
To qualify, you must:
Live in the U.S. or an eligible U.S. territory
Be prescribed Eliquis for outpatient use by a U.S.-licensed healthcare professional
Have no insurance coverage for Eliquis, or have Medicare and already spend at least 3% of your yearly household income on prescription costs in the same calendar year
Meet income limit requirements
Not qualify for Medicaid or the Medicare Part D low-income subsidy, known as Extra Help
You can start the application process online or call 1-800-736-0003 for more information.
5. Consider the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program
You can buy Eliquis at a reduced price through the manufacturer’s Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program if you’re uninsured or paying out of pocket for the full cost of the medication. The program offers a 30-day supply (60 tablets) for $346, plus taxes or fees, with free home delivery available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To qualify, you must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have a valid prescription for Eliquis for an FDA-approved use
Live in the U.S. or an eligible U.S. territory
Be uninsured, have insurance that doesn’t cover Eliquis, or have higher out-of-pocket costs through your insurance than the program’s set price
Not be enrolled in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage prescription plan
Payments made through this program don’t count toward insurance deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums, and you can’t seek reimbursement from your insurance. The program can’t be combined with other discounts or coupons.
To enroll or learn more, call Eliquis 360 Support at 1-855-354-7847.
6. Look into Medicare assistance and payment options
If you have Medicare, starting in 2026, your Eliquis costs may be no more than $231 for a 30-day supply because of negotiated pricing under the Inflation Reduction Act. Plus, two Medicare programs can help with your prescription costs, including Eliquis:
The Extra Help program, or Low-Income Subsidy, helps people with limited income and resources cover premiums, deductibles, and medication copays. Visit the Social Security Administration website or call 1-800-772-1213 to check eligibility and apply.
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread your out-of-pocket medication costs into monthly payments instead of paying all at once. It doesn’t reduce the total cost for Eliquis, but it can make expenses more manageable. Contact your Medicare prescription plan to learn more and enroll.
7. Get a 90-day supply
Some insurance plans offer lower copays when you fill a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day prescription. Ask your prescriber about switching to a 3-month supply of Eliquis if your plan provides this benefit. Many pharmacies also discount larger prescription medication quantities, which can help if you’re paying out of pocket.
8. Tap into your tax-advantaged health funds
If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can use those funds to pay for Eliquis. These tax-free funds can help offset the cost of prescription medications and many other qualified healthcare expenses.
FSA funds usually expire at the end of the plan year, unless your employer offers a grace period or a carryover option. But HSA funds roll over annually and are available for future healthcare expenses.
The bottom line
Without insurance or discounts, 60 tablets of Eliquis (apixaban) 5 mg cost about $730.32. The actual price can vary based on several factors, including your location and pharmacy.
New Eliquis users may qualify for a free 30-day trial from the manufacturer. Those with commercial insurance can use the Eliquis Co-Pay Card to pay as little as $10 for a 30-day supply or their first 90-day fill. For those who are uninsured or underinsured and meet eligibility requirements, the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation may provide Eliquis at no cost.
Other ways to save on Eliquis include using a GoodRx discount or ordering through the Direct-to-Patient program. You can also reduce your out-of-pocket costs by switching to a 90-day supply or using your tax-free dollars.
Why trust our experts?
Methodology
We obtained national prescription coverage data for each medication from Managed Markets Insight & Technology (MMIT). The data reflects health insurance coverage as of September 2025.
We calculated the percentage of enrollees in plans that cover each medication by dividing the number of enrollees covered for the medication within a specific insurance channel (e.g., ACA, Medicare, Medicaid) by the total number of enrollees in all plans within that channel.
We determined the percentage of enrollees in plans with a prior authorization requirement by calculating the proportion of enrollees in plans that required prior authorization for the medication within each channel.
Finally, we measured the percentage of enrollees in plans with a step therapy requirement by calculating the proportion of enrollees in plans that imposed step therapy requirements for the medication in each channel.
These estimates, derived from national MMIT coverage data, provide insight into health insurance coverage for each medication. They take into account restrictions such as prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity limits. The percentages are expressed relative to the total number of enrollees covered by various insurance channels, including ACA plans, commercial (excluding ACA) plans, Medicare, and Medicaid (both state-run and managed care plans).
References
Bristol Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Investor statement on Eliquis revenue under IRA
Bristol Myers Squibb. (2021). The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer alliance is pleased with the decision by the U.S. Court of appeals for the federal circuit upholding the Eliquis patents.
Bristol Myers Squibb. (2025). How Much Does Eliquis Cost?
Bristol Myers Squibb. (2025). No insurance coverage for Eliquis?
Bristol Myers Squibb Company. (2025). Questions about the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program?
Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. (n.d.). Eligibility requirements.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Medicare drug price negotiation program: Negotiated prices for initial price applicability year 2026.
HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Appealing a health plan decision. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Managed care. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
