A provider's guide to helping patients afford Eliquis in 2026. Covers manufacturer programs, copay cards, Medicare changes, and therapeutic alternatives.
Eliquis (Apixaban) is the most prescribed anticoagulant in the United States — and one of the most expensive. At $520 to $800 per month without insurance, it's no surprise that cost is the leading reason patients skip doses, split pills, or abandon their prescriptions entirely.
As a prescriber, you already know that anticoagulant non-adherence isn't just inconvenient — it's dangerous. Eliquis carries a boxed warning about increased stroke and thrombotic event risk upon premature discontinuation. When a patient can't afford their medication, the clinical consequences fall on both of you.
This guide is designed to help providers navigate the savings landscape for Eliquis in 2026 — from manufacturer programs and copay cards to therapeutic alternatives and how to build cost conversations into your workflow.
The cost of Eliquis varies significantly depending on insurance status:
Even with insurance, many patients face cost pressures that affect adherence. A 2024 IQVIA analysis found that nearly 30% of new Eliquis prescriptions were never filled — a metric that correlates strongly with out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy counter.
The Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer Eliquis Co-Pay Card is the single most impactful savings tool for commercially insured patients:
This card can be activated at the pharmacy counter and doesn't require a lengthy application. If your practice has a patient financial navigator or pharmacy liaison, they can help patients enroll during the office visit.
Bristol-Myers Squibb announced a direct-to-patient purchasing option offering Eliquis at more than 40% off list price for cash-paying patients. This provides an alternative for patients without insurance or those whose plans don't cover Eliquis favorably.
For uninsured or underinsured patients with financial hardship:
Patient assistance applications do take time — typically 2 to 4 weeks for approval. Consider bridging patients with a short-term supply while their application is processed.
For patients who don't qualify for manufacturer programs or who are between insurance plans, third-party discount cards can reduce costs:
Important note: Coupon cards cannot be combined with Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal insurance programs. They work best for commercially insured patients with high copays or uninsured patients.
For a comprehensive list of patient-facing savings resources, see our patient guide to saving money on Eliquis.
Generic Apixaban has been FDA-approved from several manufacturers (Indoco, Hetero Labs, Sun Pharma, Accord), but no generic is available on the market as of early 2026. The expected generic launch is April 2028. Until then, brand Eliquis is the only option for Apixaban.
When cost is prohibitive, consider therapeutic substitution to another anticoagulant:
Therapeutic substitution decisions should be individualized based on indication, renal function, bleeding risk, patient preference, and cost. For a clinical comparison, see our guide to Eliquis alternatives.
The most effective way to prevent cost-related non-adherence is to address it proactively. Here are practical strategies:
A simple question — "Do you have concerns about affording this medication?" — can open the door. Many patients won't volunteer financial struggles unless asked directly.
Use your EHR's formulary lookup or tools like Surescripts to check whether Eliquis is on the patient's formulary and at what tier. If it's Tier 3 or non-preferred, the copay may be unaffordable without a copay card.
Don't leave enrollment to the patient. If your practice has a medical assistant, care coordinator, or pharmacy liaison, designate someone to help patients sign up for the Eliquis Co-Pay Card or patient assistance program before they leave the office.
Many insurance plans offer lower per-unit costs for 90-day fills, and it reduces the frequency of pharmacy visits and refill-related stock issues.
Note in the patient's chart that you discussed cost, what program was recommended, and any barriers identified. This helps with continuity of care and prior authorization support if needed.
If patients report difficulty filling their prescription, direct them to Medfinder for Providers to help locate pharmacies with Eliquis in stock. For a deeper look at managing stock issues in your practice, see our provider guide to finding Eliquis in stock.
The Inflation Reduction Act has changed the landscape for Medicare patients on Eliquis:
These changes are significant. For Medicare patients who previously struggled with the coverage gap ("donut hole"), 2026 should bring meaningful relief. Make sure your Medicare patients are aware of these changes.
Note: The Eliquis Co-Pay Card is not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance programs. Medicare patients should rely on the negotiated price, the $2,000 cap, and the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation if they still face hardship.
Every unfilled prescription for Eliquis is a patient at increased risk for stroke, DVT, or PE. While the cost of Eliquis remains high, the savings infrastructure in 2026 is better than it's ever been — from manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance to the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare negotiated pricing.
The key is making these resources part of your standard prescribing workflow rather than an afterthought. A few minutes spent on cost at the point of care can be the difference between a patient who fills their prescription and one who doesn't.
For provider tools and pharmacy availability data, visit Medfinder for Providers.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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