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Key Takeaways

  • The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program provides free Eliquis to eligible patients meeting income and coverage requirements.
  • Additional savings are available through copay cards, free trial offers, Medicare Part D, and third-party discount programs.
  • Patients may further reduce costs by comparing pharmacy prices, using mail-order services, or exploring regulated Canadian pharmacy options.

Managing the cost of Eliquis can be challenging, especially since it is a brand-name medication without a generic option currently available in the United States. Fortunately, patients have access to a variety of resources designed to ease the financial burden. The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program (BMSPAF) offers eligible patients free access to Eliquis, while other support options, like co-pay cards and free trial offers, can provide limited-time relief for those who qualify.

Beyond manufacturer assistance, patients can explore insurance benefits, Medicare coverage, third-party discounts, and Canadian mail-order pharmacies that operate under regulated pricing systems. By understanding and combining these options, patients can create a savings strategy that fits their personal situation and safeguards that cost does not become a barrier to treatment.

What Is the Eliquis Patient Assistance Program?

Overview of the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program

The Eliquis Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) is an independent charitable organization that provides certain medications made by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to eligible patients free of charge. This program does not charge any application, participation, or delivery fees – making it completely free. The program requires applicants to meet income thresholds and/or provide documentation of significant out-of-pocket prescription expenses. When approved, patients will have the option to ship the medication directly to their home or provider at no cost. Patients must reapply annually to receive continued support from BMSPAF.

Eligibility Requirements for Eliquis Patient Assistance

You may be eligible for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program if:

  • You are living in the United States or a U.S. territory* during your eligibility period, and
  • You are being treated by a U.S.-licensed prescriber, and
  • You are being treated with the medicine as an outpatient, and
  • You do not have insurance coverage for a medicine listed on this site, and
  • You were prescribed Eliquis or Orencia, and your annual household income is at or below $46,950 for a single person or $63,450 for a family of two. (Income limits are adjusted for larger families), or
  • You were prescribed a BMS medicine for cancer, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, plaque psoriasis, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or a kidney transplant (even if your income is higher than the limits listed above), and
  • You are age 65 and over, and you do not qualify for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”). Proof of denial will be required.
  • You do not qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid-eligible patients will be required to submit proof of Medicaid denial.

These are some of the eligibility requirements, and other criteria may apply. For more information, call: 1-800-736-0003.

How to Apply for the Eliquis Patient Assistance Program

Step-by-Step Application Process

If you have been prescribed a BMS medication and you meet the eligibility requirements above, here’s what you need to do to apply:

  1. Download the application form and fill in the Patient Section.
    • Answer all the questions. Do not leave any blanks. If a question does not apply to you, put N/A in the answer field.
    • Remember to attach all supporting documents requested.
    • Be sure to sign and date the application.
    • There is no application fee.
  2. Ask your doctor to fill in the Physician Section.
    • Your doctor needs to complete, sign, and date the application.
  3.  Review, sign, and date your application and send it to BMSPAF
    • Use the address or fax number on the application form to send the complete, signed application to the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation.

Eliquis Coupon Options for Additional Savings

There are many ways to pay for your Eliquis prescription without relying completely on insurance, as it does not always cover the cost.

Eliquis 360 Support

Eliquis $10 Co-pay Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 for a 30-day supply or $30 for a 90-day supply for up to 24 months, with an annual limit of $6,400 on benefits. You must activate your co-pay card before first use, and it will remain valid for 24 months from activation.

Exclusions: Not valid for patients with federal/state programs such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or VA.

Free 30-day Trial Offer: For first-time Eliquis users, a single one-time free 30-day supply (up to 74 tablets) is available.

For uninsured patients: Starting September 8, 2025, Eliquis 360 Support will offer an option for eligible patients to purchase Eliquis directly. Check their website for more information and eligibility requirements.

Third-Party Discount Programs

GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx are third-party discount programs that can offer up to 80% off the retail price at local pharmacies. These are savings for cash-paying patients and cannot be applied to insurance claims or co-pay programs. They may bring some savings but not usually as much as using insurance or the Eliquis co-pay card.

Understanding the Cost of Eliquis Without Insurance

The retail price for Eliquis in the United States is approximately $561 for a 30-day supply. Because it is the brand-name medication and a generic is not available yet in the United States, the excessive cost may make it difficult to afford consistent treatment. Without insurance, the high cost can be a significant financial burden for those requiring Eliquis on a long-term basis.

The total out-of-pocket expense will depend on the pharmacy and access to third-party discount cards or manufacturer discount programs. Third-party discount cards may reduce the cost slightly, but not to the extent that insurance can offer. The high retail price highlights the importance of exploring the many assistance options to ensure treatment is affordable and sustainable long-term.

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Does Medicare Cover Eliquis?

Medicare drug coverage for Eliquis depends on the Medicare prescription drug plan you choose.

If you have:

  • Medicare Part A: May cover the use of Eliquis if administered during an inpatient hospital stay.
  • Medicare Part B: Unlikely to cover Eliquis for at-home use under outpatient medical services.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Only those plans that include Part D will typically cover Eliquis.
  • Medicare Part D: Eliquis is covered if included in the plan’s formulary. Prior authorization or step therapy may be required before Eliquis is approved by your plan.

It is important to review the formulary and compare plans during open enrollment to ensure your Eliquis prescription is covered by your Medicare plan. Medicare Part D and Advantage Plans with medication coverage will likely cover most of the cost for Eliquis.

Buy Prescriptions From Canada to Save on Eliquis

How Sites Like BuyCanadianInsulin.com Help Cut Costs

Although a generic version of Eliquis has not been released in the United States yet, you can still save on costs by ordering through a trusted source like an online Canadian pharmacy partner such as Buy Canadian Insulin (BuyCanadianInsulin.com). The cost of the generic form of Eliquis (apixaban) will be more affordable than the price of the brand-name product. The Canadian government regulates the prices of prescription drugs to ensure affordability by setting price agreements with manufacturers to cap the generic prices at a fraction of the brand price. This results in the price of Eliquis from Canada being lower than it is in the United States.

Buy Prescriptions From Canada to Save on Eliquis

Help Paying for Eliquis Beyond BMS Programs

The Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Programs provide great opportunities, such as the free 30-day trial and $10 co-pay card, but if you are not eligible for those programs or cannot continue with those programs, you should know additional ways to reduce the cost of Eliquis:

  • Insurance and Medicare Coverage: Review your plan and formulary and compare during open enrollment to help you find the most affordable option.
  • Third-Party Discount Cards: Savings cards can sometimes lower the out-of-pocket cost, especially for those without insurance.
  • Mail Order: Using a mail-order pharmacy may lower the cost and reduce copays with the added convenience of receiving your medications directly to your home.
  • Canadian Pharmacies: Due to Canada’s drug price regulation, you have the ability to save by ordering through licensed online Canadian pharmacies.

Savings on Prescription Drugs – General Tips

Prescription costs can accrue quickly, but there are many ways to keep the costs under control and keep your money in your pocket. Here are some strategies and tips:

    • Compare Prices Between Pharmacies: Medication prices may vary between pharmacies. Use price comparison tools online to find the most affordable price.
    • Ask for Generics or Therapeutic Alternatives: Ask your healthcare provider about more affordable options, such as generics or changing the medication to a lower-cost alternative that is similarly effective.
    • Use Prescription Savings Programs or Coupons: Discount cards or coupons can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
    • Check your Insurance Formulary Coverage: Review your insurance’s formulary coverage to make sure your medication is covered, or ask for formulary exceptions or appeals.
    • Ordering a 90-Day Supply: Ordering a longer supply of medication at once can lower the cost and reduce copays.
    • Consider Patient Assistance Programs – such as BMSPAF 

Finding the Right Eliquis Savings Strategy

Managing the cost of Eliquis can feel overwhelming, but there are several strategies that can cut down on costs. The right approach will depend on your insurance coverage, where you live, and whether you qualify for patient assistance.

  • Check your Medicare or Commercial Insurance Coverage: Part D and Advantage Plans with medication coverage may cover your prescription for Eliquis.
  • Explore the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation Program: Check to see if you may be eligible for discounts or free medication.
  • Consider Third-Party Discounts and Coupons: These coupons only work if you’re paying without insurance, but they can reduce costs.
  • Look into International Mail Order Options: Licensed Canadian pharmacies may offer generic Eliquis at lower prices compared to the United States, helping patients save.

Comparing your options can help you find the most savings that best fit your financial situation. Ultimately, the best way to save is by using a combination of the many strategies instead of relying on one option. You can reduce the financial burden of Eliquis by reviewing your insurance benefits, enrolling in the right Medicare plan, understanding manufacturer programs, and trying savings cards or international alternatives. Take the time to plan ahead and compare to ensure the cost does not become a barrier to your treatment and managing your health effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Eliquis Patient Assistance Program, offered by Bristol Myers Squibb, provides eligible patients with free medication if they meet income and insurance criteria.

Eligibility is based on U.S. residency, lack of insurance coverage, income thresholds, and a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

You must complete an application with supporting documents, have your prescriber fill out their section, and submit the form to the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation.

Currently, no generic version of Eliquis (apixaban) is available in the United States, which keeps prices high compared to other markets.

The retail price of Eliquis is around $561 for a 30-day supply, though prices may vary depending on the pharmacy.

Yes, most Medicare Part D and Advantage plans with drug coverage include Eliquis on their formularies, but prior authorization may be required.

No, copay cards are only available to patients with commercial insurance, and they cannot be used with federal or state insurance programs.

Yes, licensed Canadian pharmacies often sell Eliquis or its generic at lower prices due to government-regulated pricing.

With insurance or a copay card, some patients may pay as little as $10 for a 30-day supply, compared to over $500 without coverage.

You can explore third-party discount cards, Medicare Part D coverage, mail-order pharmacies, or Canadian mail-order options to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Kenneth Fill, PharmD, MBA

Kenneth Fill, PharmD, MBA, is a clinical pharmacist specialist and medical writer with a strong background in ambulatory care, pharmacogenomics, and medical content development. Based in the state of Michigan, he provides expert guidance on chronic disease state management. Kenneth completed his PharmD and MBA at the University of Toledo and pursued post-graduate residency training in ambulatory care and community-based pharmacy. His diverse background also includes academic detailing, clinical education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient outcomes.