Eliquis Cost Without Insurance: What It Really Takes to Afford It
By BetterBuyRx Editorial Team
Written for cost and savings education only, not medical advice, and not medically reviewed. Always confirm details with your doctor or pharmacist. See our methodology.
Last updated
Eliquis (apixaban) is one of the most expensive common prescriptions in America: CMS reported a list price of $521 for a 30-day supply in 2023, and there is still no generic on U.S. pharmacy shelves. In BetterBuyRx's July 18, 2026 snapshot, the lowest verified prices came from international mail-order pharmacies (starting at $90.00 per month through RxConnected.com), while no U.S. discount-card price cleared our verification bar that day. This guide covers the options that actually move the number: international mail-order, manufacturer assistance, and (for Medicare enrollees) the new negotiated price.
What Eliquis actually costs, July 2026
Verified quotes from BetterBuyRx's July 18, 2026 snapshot (30-day supply):
| Source | Price |
|---|---|
| RxConnected.com (international) | $90.00 |
| PlanetDrugsDirect (international) | $91.99 |
Every verified low price that day was an international mail-order pharmacy. U.S. retail cash prices vary by pharmacy and are typically far higher; check the live Eliquis page for current quotes in your area. BetterBuyRx card pricing for Eliquis varies by network; the live page shows what's available today.
About international pharmacies: these are mail-order services shipping from licensed pharmacies abroad, mostly Canada. Shipping takes weeks, not days, so they suit planned refills, never a fill you need this week. The FDA's personal-importation rules are restrictive, so understand them and verify any pharmacy's credentials before ordering.
Why there's no cheap generic yet
The FDA approved the first generic apixaban applications in December 2019 (Micro Labs and Mylan), the first generic approvals of any direct oral anticoagulant. But approval isn't availability: Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer's patent litigation ended in settlements that, per the manufacturers' public statements, keep most generics off the U.S. market until at least April 2028, subject to further challenges. Until that changes, U.S. counters stock brand Eliquis only. The full pricing mechanics are in why is Eliquis so expensive.
If you're on Medicare: 2026 changed the math
Eliquis was in the first ten drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation. Effective 2026, the negotiated price is $231 for a 30-day supply, 56% below the 2023 list price of $521, per CMS. Two more 2026 protections stack with it: Part D out-of-pocket spending is capped at $2,100 for the year, and costs can be spread monthly through the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan; see Medicare.gov's Part D overview and our Part D out-of-pocket cap guide. If your income is limited, Medicare Extra Help can lower copays further.
No insurance? Work these in order
- BMS patient assistance. Uninsured and income-eligible patients may qualify to receive Eliquis free through the manufacturer's patient assistance program; the application process is explained in our patient assistance programs guide.
- Copay card: only if you have commercial insurance. Manufacturer copay cards cut copays sharply but exclude uninsured and government-insured patients; details in manufacturer copay cards.
- International mail-order at $90.00 to $190.99/month verified July 2026, for planned refills only.
- Talk to your prescriber about alternatives. Warfarin, an older anticoagulant, cost as little as $3.33/month (Hippo · Walmart) in the same snapshot, but it requires regular blood monitoring and is *not* interchangeable with apixaban. Whether it's appropriate is strictly a clinical decision; MedlinePlus covers apixaban and never stop an anticoagulant on your own; stopping raises stroke risk.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Eliquis cost without insurance?
At U.S. retail counters, Eliquis typically costs hundreds of dollars per month; CMS reported a $521 list price for a 30-day supply in 2023. In BetterBuyRx's July 2026 snapshot, verified international mail-order pharmacies quoted $90.00 to $190.99 per month. Check the live drug page for current quotes.
Can I buy generic apixaban instead of Eliquis?
The FDA approved the first generic apixaban in December 2019, but patent litigation has kept those generics off U.S. pharmacy shelves; settlement terms point to no U.S. launch before 2028. International pharmacies dispense apixaban at lower prices; U.S. counters still stock only brand Eliquis.
What does Eliquis cost on Medicare in 2026?
Eliquis was in the first group of drugs under Medicare price negotiation: the negotiated price effective 2026 is $231 for a 30-day supply, 56% below its 2023 list price of $521, per CMS. Your actual copay depends on your Part D plan and coverage phase.
Does Bristol Myers Squibb offer help paying for Eliquis?
BMS operates patient assistance and copay support programs for eligible patients; copay cards generally require commercial insurance, while patient assistance programs serve uninsured or low-income patients. Our patient assistance programs guide explains how to apply.
Sources
Compare prices & find savings
This guide is for cost and savings education only. It is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your medications. Prices vary by pharmacy, location, quantity, and eligibility, and they change over time.
Related guides
- Patient Assistance Programs: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
How manufacturer and nonprofit patient assistance programs work, who typically qualifies by income, and what documents you need to apply.
- How Manufacturer Copay Cards Work (and Their Limits)
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- Medicare Part D Costs in 2026: The Out-of-Pocket Cap Explained
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- Why Is My Medication So Expensive?
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