Paxlovid Can Cost Over $1,400 — But You May Not Have to Pay That Much

If you've been prescribed Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack to treat COVID-19, the price tag can be alarming. A 5-day course of Paxlovid costs approximately $1,400 to $1,800 at retail pharmacies without insurance. That's a steep price for any medication, let alone one you need to start taking right away.

The good news is that most patients don't have to pay the full cash price. Between insurance coverage, manufacturer savings programs, and government assistance, there are several ways to bring your cost down significantly — in many cases to $0. In this guide, we'll walk through every option available in 2026.

How Much Does Paxlovid Cost Without Insurance?

Without any insurance or financial assistance, the cash price for Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 depending on the pharmacy. This price covers the complete 5-day treatment course.

There is currently no generic version of Paxlovid available in the United States, so there is no lower-cost generic alternative. Pfizer holds the patent on Nirmatrelvir, and no FDA-approved generic has been introduced for the U.S. market as of early 2026.

Here's what you might expect at different pharmacy types:

• Large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid): $1,400–$1,700
• Grocery store pharmacies (Kroger, Publix): $1,400–$1,600
• Independent pharmacies: $1,500–$1,800 (prices vary more widely)
• Costco Pharmacy: Sometimes lower, around $1,300–$1,500 (membership not always required for pharmacy)

Coupons and Discount Cards

Several prescription discount programs may help reduce the cost of Paxlovid. However, because Paxlovid is a high-cost brand-name drug with no generic, discount card savings may be limited compared to what they offer for generic medications.

PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Card (Best Option for Insured Patients)

Pfizer's own savings program is the most valuable discount for commercially insured patients:

• Savings: Up to $1,000 per year off your out-of-pocket costs
• Eligibility: Patients with commercial insurance (not Medicare, Medicaid, or other government programs)
• How to enroll: Visit paxlovid.com/paxcess or ask your pharmacist
• Result: Many commercially insured patients pay $0 to $30 after applying the savings card

GoodRx, SingleCare, and Other Discount Cards

Prescription discount cards like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver may show prices for Paxlovid at various pharmacies. However, discounts on expensive brand-name drugs are typically modest — you might save $50 to $200 off the cash price, which still leaves a significant bill. These cards are most useful if you:

• Don't have insurance at all
• Don't qualify for Pfizer's patient assistance programs
• Want to compare prices across pharmacies quickly

Check Medfinder for pharmacy availability and pricing comparisons.

Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured, underinsured, or struggling to afford Paxlovid, these programs may provide the medication at no cost:

U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP)

This is the primary assistance program for patients who cannot afford Paxlovid:

• Cost to patient: $0
• Eligibility: Uninsured or underinsured patients with individual income below $46,950 or couple income below $63,450
• How to apply: Through the PAXCESS portal at paxlovid.iassist.com or by calling the PAXCESS support line
• What's covered: The full 5-day course of Paxlovid at no charge

Pfizer RxPathways

Pfizer's broader patient assistance program can help connect you with additional resources:

• Visit pfizerrxpathways.com
• Search for Paxlovid to see available assistance options
• Includes copay assistance, patient assistance, and insurance navigation support

NeedyMeds and RxAssist

These independent organizations maintain databases of patient assistance programs:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org): Search for Paxlovid assistance programs and discount cards
• RxAssist (rxassist.org): Comprehensive database of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs

Other Ways to Save on Paxlovid

Medicare Part D Coverage

If you're on Medicare, Paxlovid is covered under most Part D plans. Key points for 2026:

• The annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,000, which limits your total prescription spending for the year
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows you to spread costs across monthly payments rather than paying at the pharmacy counter
• If you've already met your deductible, your copay for Paxlovid may be relatively low

Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid coverage for Paxlovid varies by state, but most state Medicaid programs cover FDA-approved COVID-19 treatments. Copays under Medicaid are typically minimal — often $0 to $3.

Employer or Union Health Plans

Many employer-sponsored health plans cover Paxlovid with standard specialty drug copays. Check with your plan's pharmacy benefit to confirm coverage and copay amount before going to the pharmacy.

Ask About the 340B Program

Some healthcare facilities — particularly Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and certain hospitals — participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows them to purchase medications at significantly reduced prices. If you receive care at a 340B-eligible facility, ask whether they can fill your Paxlovid prescription at a reduced cost.

Final Thoughts

Nobody should skip a life-saving COVID-19 treatment because of cost. While Paxlovid's retail price of $1,400 to $1,800 is high, the vast majority of patients can access the medication for significantly less — and often for free — through insurance, Pfizer's PAXCESS program, or the U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program.

Here's a quick summary of your options:

• Commercially insured? Use the PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Card (up to $1,000 off; many patients pay $0–$30)
• Uninsured, income below $46,950? Apply for the USG PAP for free Paxlovid
• Medicare? Covered under Part D with a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap
• Medicaid? Usually covered with $0–$3 copay

If you're also having trouble finding Paxlovid in stock, use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability, or read our guide to finding Paxlovid near you. For more about the medication itself, see What Is Paxlovid? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.