Eylea Is Expensive — But You Have Options

Let's start with the number that matters: a single Eylea (Aflibercept) injection can cost $1,800 to $2,200 without insurance. And most patients need injections every 4 to 8 weeks, potentially for years. That's tens of thousands of dollars annually — a cost that's simply out of reach for many people without help.

The good news is that most patients don't pay the full cash price. Between insurance coverage, copay assistance programs, patient assistance, and lower-cost alternatives, there are real ways to reduce what you pay. In this guide, we'll walk you through every option available in 2026.

How Much Does Eylea Cost Without Insurance?

Here are the approximate cash prices for Eylea in 2026:

• Eylea 2 mg injection: $1,800 to $2,200 per dose
• Eylea HD 8 mg injection: $1,100 to $1,200 per dose

These prices cover the medication itself. You'll also pay for the office visit and injection procedure, which can add $100 to $400 depending on your provider and location.

Over the course of a year, a patient receiving Eylea every 8 weeks would need approximately 6 to 7 injections, putting the annual medication cost alone at $10,800 to $15,400 for the standard dose. Patients on monthly injections could face even higher annual costs.

What Does Insurance Typically Cover?

Eylea is administered by a doctor, so it's usually billed under your medical benefit (not your pharmacy benefit). Here's how different types of coverage handle it:

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers physician-administered drugs like Eylea. You'll typically pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your annual deductible. That means:

• At $2,000 per injection: your share is approximately $400 per injection
• Annual out-of-pocket (6 injections): approximately $2,400
• A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may cover some or all of the coinsurance

Commercial Insurance

Most commercial health plans cover Eylea, but you may need:

• Prior authorization: Your doctor's office submits documentation proving medical necessity. This is standard for Eylea.
• Step therapy: Some plans require you to try a lower-cost option first — often Avastin (Bevacizumab) — before they'll approve Eylea.

Copays for commercially insured patients vary widely: from $0 (with copay assistance) to $200 or more per injection, depending on your plan.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage for Eylea varies by state. In most states, Eylea is covered with prior authorization. Out-of-pocket costs are minimal for Medicaid recipients.

Eylea Copay Assistance: The Eylea4U Program

Regeneron, the manufacturer of Eylea, offers the Eylea4U copay assistance program for commercially insured patients. Here's how it works:

• Eligibility: Patients with commercial (private) insurance. Medicare, Medicaid, and government-insured patients are not eligible for the copay card.
• Benefit: Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per injection.
• Maximum benefit: The program covers a specified dollar amount per year. Exact limits may vary — check the current program terms.
• How to enroll: Your retina specialist's office can help you enroll, or you can visit the Eylea4U website directly.

If you have commercial insurance, this is the single most impactful way to reduce your Eylea costs. Ask your doctor's billing department about Eylea4U at your next appointment.

Patient Assistance Programs for Uninsured or Underinsured Patients

If you don't have insurance — or if your insurance doesn't adequately cover Eylea — you may qualify for a patient assistance program (PAP):

Regeneron Patient Assistance Program

Regeneron offers a patient assistance program that provides Eylea at no cost to eligible patients. Eligibility is generally based on:

• Household income (typically below a specified threshold relative to the federal poverty level)
• Lack of adequate insurance coverage
• U.S. residency

Your doctor's office will need to submit an application on your behalf. The program typically covers the cost of the medication itself.

Other Assistance Resources

Additional organizations that help patients access expensive medications include:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Database of patient assistance programs and discount options
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive directory of pharmaceutical company assistance programs
• Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation — Provides copay assistance for underinsured patients with specific diagnoses
• HealthWell Foundation — Offers financial assistance for patients with chronic or life-altering conditions

Other Ways to Save on Eylea

Ask About Eylea HD

Eylea HD (8 mg) costs approximately $1,100 to $1,200 per injection — about $700 to $1,000 less than standard Eylea per dose. Because it can be given less frequently (every 12 to 16 weeks for some patients), the total annual cost may be significantly lower:

• Eylea 2 mg every 8 weeks (6–7 injections/year): $10,800 to $15,400
• Eylea HD 8 mg every 12 weeks (4–5 injections/year): $4,400 to $6,000

That's a potential savings of $6,000 to $9,000 per year. Ask your retina specialist if Eylea HD is appropriate for your condition.

Consider Avastin (Bevacizumab)

Avastin is an off-label anti-VEGF treatment that costs approximately $50 to $100 per injection — a fraction of Eylea's price. Large clinical trials have shown comparable efficacy for wet AMD. While it's not FDA-approved for eye conditions and requires compounding, it's widely used and accepted in retina care.

Annual cost with Avastin: approximately $300 to $700 compared to $10,000+ for Eylea.

Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks. For more details, read our guide on alternatives to Eylea.

Watch for Biosimilars

Aflibercept biosimilars are expected to reach the market in 2026 or early 2027. When they become available, they could cost 15% to 30% less than branded Eylea — potentially saving $270 to $660 per injection. Ask your doctor to let you know when biosimilars become an option.

Negotiate with Your Provider

Some retina practices offer payment plans or financial hardship discounts for self-pay patients. Don't be afraid to ask about:

• Payment plans that spread costs over several months
• Cash-pay discounts for uninsured patients
• Financial counselor services within the practice

A Quick Comparison: Annual Cost by Treatment Option

Here's a rough comparison of annual costs for common anti-VEGF treatments (assuming medication costs only, before insurance):

• Eylea 2 mg (q8 weeks): $10,800 – $15,400/year
• Eylea HD 8 mg (q12 weeks): $4,400 – $6,000/year
• Vabysmo (q12 weeks): $7,200 – $8,800/year
• Lucentis biosimilar (q4–8 weeks): $6,600 – $16,800/year
• Avastin (q4–8 weeks): $300 – $700/year

These are approximate figures and will vary by provider, region, and dosing frequency. Insurance coverage dramatically changes what you actually pay.

Final Thoughts

Eylea is expensive, but very few patients need to pay full price. Between the Eylea4U copay card, Regeneron's patient assistance program, Medicare and commercial insurance coverage, and lower-cost alternatives like Avastin and Eylea HD, there are multiple paths to making treatment affordable.

Start by talking to your retina specialist's billing department about which programs you qualify for. Use Medfinder to locate providers with Eylea in stock, and check our 2026 Eylea shortage update for the latest on availability and biosimilar developments. Your vision is worth protecting — and cost shouldn't be the reason you skip treatment.