Biktarvy Is Expensive — But You Have Options

Let's start with the number that scares everyone: Biktarvy costs approximately $3,500 to $4,000 per month without insurance. That's over $40,000 a year for a single medication. For a drug you need to take every single day for the rest of your life, the sticker price is daunting.

But here's what many patients don't realize: most people don't pay anywhere near that amount. Between manufacturer programs, insurance coverage, government assistance, and nonprofit foundations, there are multiple pathways to make Biktarvy affordable — sometimes even free.

This guide walks you through every option available in 2026.

How Much Does Biktarvy Cost Without Insurance?

The cash price for Biktarvy depends on where you fill it, but here's what you can expect:

• Average retail cash price: $3,500–$4,000 for a 30-day supply (30 tablets)
• Annual cost without insurance: $42,000–$48,000
• No generic available: As of 2026, there is no generic version of Biktarvy, so discount pricing through generic alternatives is not an option

This is the price almost nobody should pay. If you're paying full cash price for Biktarvy, you're likely missing a savings program you qualify for. Keep reading.

Gilead Copay Card (Commercially Insured Patients)

If you have commercial health insurance (through your employer, the marketplace, or a private plan), Gilead's Advancing Access copay coupon card is your first stop.

How it works:

• Reduces your copay to as little as $0 per month
• Covers the difference between your copay and $0 (up to an annual maximum)
• Available to commercially insured patients — not available to patients on Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance
• Enroll at gileadadvancingaccess.com or call 1-800-226-2056

Who qualifies: Most patients with commercial insurance. You do not need to demonstrate financial hardship. If your insurance covers Biktarvy but your copay is high, this card brings it down to $0 in most cases.

Gilead Patient Assistance Program (Uninsured/Underinsured)

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover Biktarvy, Gilead's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may provide the medication at no cost.

How it works:

• Provides Biktarvy for free to qualifying patients
• Based on income and insurance status
• Requires an application with income documentation
• Apply through gileadadvancingaccess.com or call 1-800-226-2056

Who qualifies: Generally, patients without insurance or with insurance that doesn't cover Biktarvy, who meet income thresholds (typically up to 500% of the federal poverty level, though Gilead evaluates on a case-by-case basis).

ADAP and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps low-income people with HIV pay for medications — including Biktarvy.

Key facts:

• Available in all 50 states, but eligibility and covered medications vary by state
• Covers Biktarvy in most states
• Income limits vary — typically 200-500% of the federal poverty level depending on the state
• Can help with medication costs, insurance premiums, and copays
• Apply through your local Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clinic or health department

If you're living with HIV and have limited income, ADAP may be the single most important resource available to you. Contact your state's HIV/AIDS hotline or visit hab.hrsa.gov to find your local Ryan White program.

Nonprofit Copay Assistance Foundations

Several nonprofit foundations offer copay assistance specifically for HIV medications:

• Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF): Copay relief program for HIV/AIDS — may cover out-of-pocket costs up to a set annual limit
• PAN Foundation: Offers HIV/AIDS grants when funding is available — helps with copays, deductibles, and insurance premiums
• HealthWell Foundation: HIV/AIDS fund for copay assistance — check their website for current fund status
• Patient Access Network (PAN): Similar copay assistance — funds open and close based on donations

Important note: Nonprofit funds open and close based on available funding. If one fund is closed, check others or apply for a waitlist. Your clinic's social worker or case manager can often help navigate these applications.

Other Ways to Save on Biktarvy

Medicare Part D

If you're on Medicare, Biktarvy is covered by most Part D plans. Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan's formulary tier and coverage phase:

• Initial coverage phase: Copay varies by plan — could be $50-$200+/month
• Coverage gap (donut hole): Costs may be higher, though manufacturer discounts apply
• Catastrophic coverage: After meeting the out-of-pocket threshold, copays drop significantly
• Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy: Qualifying Medicare beneficiaries may pay $0-$10 per prescription

Note: Gilead's copay card cannot be used with Medicare. However, Extra Help and state pharmaceutical assistance programs can reduce costs significantly.

Medicaid

Medicaid covers Biktarvy in most states, usually with minimal or no copay. If you qualify for Medicaid, this is typically the most straightforward path to affordable access.

340B Drug Pricing Program

If you receive care at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), Ryan White clinic, or other 340B-eligible entity, you may benefit from 340B pricing — which requires these facilities to pass savings on to patients.

Prescription Discount Cards

While traditional discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.) are less impactful for brand-name specialty drugs like Biktarvy — where cash prices are $3,500+ — they can occasionally offer modest discounts. These should be a last resort after exploring manufacturer and assistance programs.

Quick Comparison: Your Savings Options

• Gilead copay card: $0/month (commercial insurance) — Apply here
• Gilead PAP: $0/month (uninsured/underinsured) — Apply here
• ADAP: $0 or low-cost (income-based) — Contact your state program
• Medicare Extra Help: $0-$10/month (low-income Medicare) — Apply at ssa.gov
• Medicaid: $0 or minimal copay — Apply through your state
• Nonprofit foundations: Varies (when funds are open) — PAF, PAN, HealthWell

Final Thoughts

Nobody should skip their HIV medication because of cost. Biktarvy's sticker price is high, but the actual amount most patients pay is dramatically lower — often $0. The key is knowing which programs you qualify for and applying proactively.

Start with Gilead Advancing Access (gileadadvancingaccess.com or 1-800-226-2056). If you don't qualify for their programs, explore ADAP, nonprofit foundations, and insurance options. Your doctor's office or an HIV case manager can help you navigate the process.

Also check: How to find Biktarvy in stock near you | Biktarvy shortage update for 2026 | What is Biktarvy?