Paxlovid Can Cost Over $1,600 — But You Might Not Have to Pay That

You've tested positive for COVID-19, your doctor has prescribed Paxlovid 5-Day, and now you're staring at the price tag. Without insurance, a single 5-day course of Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) can cost $1,400 to $1,600. Even with insurance, copays can catch you off guard.

The good news: there are real ways to bring that cost down — sometimes to $0. Here's a complete guide to saving money on Paxlovid in 2026.

What Does Paxlovid Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the baseline numbers:

• Retail cash price: Approximately $1,400 to $1,600 for the full 5-day treatment course (30 tablets: 20 Nirmatrelvir + 10 Ritonavir)
• Per-day cost: About $280 to $320 per day
• No generic available: As of early 2026, there is no generic Paxlovid in the US, so the brand-name price is the only option

This makes Paxlovid one of the most expensive short-course medications patients encounter. But very few patients actually need to pay the full cash price.

What Does Paxlovid Cost With Insurance?

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will likely be much lower:

• Commercial insurance: Most plans cover Paxlovid. Typical copays range from $0 to $75, though some high-deductible plans may charge more until the deductible is met.
• Medicare Part D: Paxlovid is covered under most Medicare Part D formularies. Copays vary by plan but are generally manageable.
• Medicaid: Covered in most states with little to no cost-sharing.
• Marketplace plans (ACA): Most cover Paxlovid as a prescription benefit.

If your insurance doesn't cover it or your copay is too high, keep reading — there are additional options.

Pfizer's PAXCESS Program: The Biggest Savings Opportunity

This is the single most important program to know about. Pfizer's PAXCESS Patient Support Program offers two types of assistance:

For Patients With Commercial Insurance

• Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 out of pocket
• Maximum savings of $1,500 per prescription per calendar year
• Works like a copay card — present it at the pharmacy along with your insurance
• Not available for patients on government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA)

For Uninsured or Underinsured Patients

• Eligible patients may receive Paxlovid at no cost
• Income qualifications may apply
• Enrollment can be done online or by phone

How to enroll:

1. Visit paxlovid.com/paxcess
2. Or call 1-877-219-7225
3. Enroll before or at the pharmacy — the program can sometimes be activated at the point of sale

This program alone eliminates cost as a barrier for most patients. If you qualify, you should absolutely use it.

Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

If you don't qualify for PAXCESS or want to compare options, prescription discount cards can sometimes offer savings on Paxlovid:

GoodRx

GoodRx (goodrx.com/paxlovid) aggregates pharmacy prices and may show discounted pricing at select pharmacies. Savings vary, but it's worth checking — especially if you're paying cash.

SingleCare

SingleCare (singlecare.com) offers a free prescription savings card that works at most major pharmacies. Search for Paxlovid to see current pricing in your area.

RxSaver

RxSaver (rxsaver.com) compares prices across pharmacies and may offer coupon pricing for Paxlovid at select locations.

BuzzRx

BuzzRx (buzzrx.com) provides a free discount card accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Important note: Discount cards generally cannot be combined with insurance. They're most useful for uninsured patients who don't qualify for PAXCESS. Always compare the discount card price with your insurance copay to see which is lower.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Beyond PAXCESS, additional resources exist for patients who need financial help:

Pfizer RxPathways

Pfizer's broader patient assistance program (pfizerrxpathways.com) connects patients to various Pfizer savings programs, including PAXCESS. It can also help identify other resources you may qualify for.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds.org is a nonprofit that maintains a database of patient assistance programs, discount drug programs, and other resources. Search for Paxlovid or Nirmatrelvir to find current options.

RxAssist

RxAssist.org offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations.

State and Local Programs

Some states and local health departments still maintain COVID-19 treatment access programs that can help cover the cost of antivirals. Check with your local health department or 211.org for resources in your area.

Other Ways to Save on Paxlovid

Ask About the Cash Price at Different Pharmacies

Cash prices for Paxlovid can vary by $100 or more between pharmacies. Independent pharmacies and warehouse pharmacies (like Costco) sometimes offer lower cash prices than chain pharmacies. It's worth calling around.

Check If Your Health System Has an Internal Pharmacy

Some healthcare systems have their own pharmacies that may offer Paxlovid at lower prices to their patients, particularly through 340B drug pricing programs. Ask your doctor's office if this is an option.

Use Your FSA or HSA

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), Paxlovid is an eligible expense. This effectively lets you pay with pre-tax dollars, saving you roughly 20-30% depending on your tax bracket.

Don't Delay Treatment to Save Money

This is important: don't skip or delay Paxlovid because of cost concerns without exploring your options first. A hospitalization for severe COVID-19 can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The PAXCESS program and discount cards exist specifically to prevent cost from being a barrier to treatment.

What About Generic Paxlovid?

As of early 2026, there is no generic version of Paxlovid available in the United States. Pfizer remains the sole manufacturer. Generic versions are produced in some countries through licensing agreements, but they are not approved for sale in the US.

When a generic eventually becomes available, it would likely cost significantly less — potentially in the range of $200 to $500 per course, based on typical brand-to-generic price drops. But for now, the strategies above are your best options for saving money.

Final Thoughts

Paxlovid is expensive at full price, but most patients can access it for far less — and often for free. The key steps are:

1. Check your insurance coverage first — you may owe little to nothing
2. Enroll in PAXCESS (paxlovid.com/paxcess) whether you have insurance or not
3. Compare discount card prices if you're paying cash
4. Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with stock: medfinder.com
5. Don't let cost delay treatment — the 5-day treatment window is critical

For help finding Paxlovid near you: How to Find Paxlovid 5-Day in Stock Near You. For a complete overview of the medication: What Is Paxlovid 5-Day? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.