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January 3, 2025
💡 TL;DR: How to Get Eliquis Cheaper on Medicare
  • Eliquis can cost over $500/month without the right Medicare coverage
  • You may qualify for Extra Help (LIS), which can reduce your copay to $0–$9.85/month
  • Costs vary drastically between Part D plans and pharmacies — compare each year
  • BMS Access Support and other programs can lower or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost
  • If Eliquis is still too expensive, ask your doctor about comparable generics or alternatives

👉 Schedule a free Medicare review or call us at (833) 265-9655

Eliquis cost drops from $511 to $0 per month with Medicare Extra Help

Eligible Medicare beneficiaries may reduce their Eliquis cost from over $500 to $0 with Extra Help.

The continuously rising costs of prescription medications have significant implications for Medicare beneficiaries, often imposing financial strain and limiting access to essential treatments. In light of these challenges, it becomes crucial to explore various avenues for reducing expenses while maintaining the necessary standard of care. This article focuses on Eliquis, a widely prescribed anticoagulant, and delves into different strategies for saving money on this medication within the realm of Medicare coverage.

How to get Eliquis Cheaper on Medicare

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis (the brand name for apixaban) is one of the most commonly prescribed blood thinners today — and for good reason. It’s used to help prevent serious complications like blood clots and strokes in people with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism. What makes Eliquis stand out is its effectiveness paired with a lower risk of bleeding compared to older anticoagulants. For folks on Medicare, having access to this kind of therapy can make all the difference in staying healthy and independent. I’ve spent years helping clients navigate their Medicare coverage for medications like Eliquis, and it’s clear that understanding your options — whether through Part D plans or programs like Extra Help — can dramatically reduce costs and stress. Resources like BMS Access Support and Medicare-approved plan finders offer great information, but nothing beats talking it through with someone who knows the system.

Average Price Without Insurance

The average cost of Eliquis without insurance can create a substantial financial burden for Medicare recipients. As per eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com, the retail price for Eliquis can range from around $500 to $600 for a 30-day supply, making it challenging for individuals on fixed incomes to afford this essential medication.

Ways to Save Money on Eliquis Through Medicare

a. Medicare Part D Plans

Medicare Part D plans offer a potential avenue for reducing the cost of Eliquis for beneficiaries. By enrolling in a Part D plan, individuals can gain access to coverage for prescription medications, including Eliquis. Eligibility requirements and the coverage process, as well as plan comparison tips, are available through trusted resources such as medicare.gov.

Wait what about the donut hole - Wasn’t the Donut Hole Eliminated in 2025? Here’s What That Really Means

Yes, it’s true that starting in 2025, Medicare Part D changes how out-of-pocket costs work—but the idea that the “donut hole” is completely gone can be misleading.

Here’s what actually changed:

  • In 2025, Medicare introduced a new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D drug spending.
  • That means once you’ve paid $2,000 out of pocket—including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance—you won’t pay anything more for covered prescriptions the rest of the year.
  • The coverage gap (aka the donut hole) doesn't exists in structure, and the financial sting has been softened by this cap, but it can still sting.

So yes, the days of spending thousands after entering the donut hole are over—but Eliquis can still be pricey until you hit that $2,000 cap, especially early in the year.

b. Extra Help

The Extra Help program provides vital assistance to individuals with limited income and resources in paying for prescription drugs, including Eliquis. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the application process is essential for Medicare beneficiaries. Authentic sources like the Social Security Administration can offer valuable insights in this regard.

Eliquis Coupon for Medicare Patients

Eliquis coupons can significantly offset the out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare patients. These coupons, obtainable through various channels, allow beneficiaries to access cost-saving opportunities when purchasing their medication, helping to alleviate the financial burden associated with Eliquis.

Understanding Medicare Advantage Coverage for Eliquis

When looking into Eliquis coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Medicare Part C), it’s important to understand how these plans work. They combine the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and often include prescription drug coverage, which can be a big help. That said, not every plan covers every drug, so you’ll want to double-check that Eliquis is listed on your plan’s formulary — that’s the plan’s official list of covered medications.

Because Eliquis is a brand-name drug and tends to be more expensive, it’s usually placed in a higher tier, which means your copays or coinsurance may be higher than for generic options. Some plans also require prior authorization, which means your doctor has to explain why Eliquis is medically necessary before the plan agrees to cover it.

There may also be something called step therapy, where the plan asks you to try a lower-cost medication first before approving Eliquis. It’s their way of managing costs — but it can feel frustrating. That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your doctor and make sure any required paperwork is submitted quickly. That kind of coordination can make all the difference in getting access to the medication you need without delays.


Brand Name: Eliquis® Generic Name: apixaban Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is an anticoagulant medication used to treat and prevent blood clots and to prevent stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation through directly inhibiting factor Xa.

Cost of Eliquis with Medicare Part D

When utilizing Medicare Part D coverage, the specific costs associated with Eliquis can vary based on different plans. Beneficiaries are encouraged to compare the prices offered by different Part D plans to select the most cost-effective option. Understanding the coverage details and potential out-of-pocket expenses is crucial in managing medication costs under Medicare.

The Advantages of Mail-Order Pharmacies for Eliquis

Save More with Mail-Order Pharmacies
If you’re looking for ways to cut long-term costs on Eliquis, mail-order pharmacies can be a smart move. They often offer lower prices than your local pharmacy — especially when you fill a 90-day supply instead of just 30 days. That alone can add up to real savings over time.

Many Medicare Part D and Advantage plans partner with mail-order providers like Express Scripts or OptumRx, which means you may also get lower copays when you use a pharmacy that’s in your plan’s preferred network. Plus, the convenience is hard to beat: your medication shows up right at your door, no more running out or standing in line at the pharmacy.

For conditions like atrial fibrillation or a history of blood clots, staying consistent with your medication is crucial — and mail-order makes that a lot easier to manage.

Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits: Your Medicare Coverage Expert

Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits specializes in assisting individuals in maximizing their Medicare coverage and finding the right plan. Offering expertise in navigating Medicare-related expenses, they provide valuable support and guidance for beneficiaries seeking to optimize their coverage while minimizing costs.

Does Medicare Cover Eliquis: Clarifying the Coverage

Drawing from resources such as singlecare.com, it becomes important to clarify the extent of Medicare's coverage for Eliquis. By understanding potential gaps in coverage and exploring additional cost-saving strategies, beneficiaries can make informed decisions and leverage available resources to their advantage.

How to Qualify for Free Eliquis: Activating the 30-Day Free Trial

For Medicare recipients, activating the 30-day free trial of Eliquis can offer a valuable cost-saving opportunity. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the necessary steps for availing this trial, as well as the potential benefits, is crucial for beneficiaries looking to minimize their medication expenses.

  • Ask About Free Samples at Your Doctor’s Office
    If you’re in a pinch and running low on Eliquis, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if they have any free samples available. While it’s not a long-term fix, samples can help bridge the gap — especially if you're waiting for Medicare prior authorization to go through or applying for a patient assistance program. Doctors understand how expensive this medication can be and are often willing to help when they can. It never hurts to ask — even a short supply can give you peace of mind while other solutions are in motion.

Eliquis Financial Assistance Program

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation provides a financial assistance program for eligible Eliquis patients to support with out-of-pocket expenses. For eligibility criteria, visit the official Eliquis website.

Eliquis Rebates

Bristol-Myers Squibb may offer manufacturer rebates in the form of Eliquis coupons. Contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about your eligibility and the availability of these rebates.

Enhancing Your Medicare Coverage for Eliquis

The challenges associated with the rising cost of medications demand proactive decision-making from Medicare beneficiaries. By exploring various strategies such as utilizing Medicare Part D plans, seeking financial assistance through programs like Extra Help, and leveraging cost-saving opportunities like Eliquis coupons or free trials, beneficiaries can enhance their Medicare coverage for Eliquis while mitigating the financial impact. Professional support from entities such as Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits can empower beneficiaries to make well-informed choices and navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage effectively. 

Let’s Wrap This Up — You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

The rising cost of medications like Eliquis can be overwhelming — but you have options. From comparing Medicare Part D plans to applying for financial help like Extra Help or manufacturer savings programs, there are real ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

At Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits, we specialize in helping people like you understand how to get the coverage you need without overpaying. Our service is completely free, and we’re here to answer your questions, compare plans, and even assist with the paperwork.

👉 Let’s make sure you’re not leaving savings on the table.

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Or give us a call at (833) 265-9655 — we’d be happy to help you find the best fit for your needs.

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