Eliquis, also known as Apixaban, is a blood-thinning medication that is widely used in the United States. You may hear about this medication if you deal with certain issues like blood clotting. Eliquis is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke, or the risk of clotting after certain procedures like hip replacements.
Because Eliquis is so popular, especially among folks on Medicare, it’s important to know what your options are as you transition to Medicare coverage. We’ll go over everything you need to know to make filling your prescription as easy as possible.
How Much Does Eliquis Cost?
The out of pocket cost for Eliquis is quite high. Without any insurance coverage, a one-month supply of Eliquis can cost over $500. Because the price for this medication is so high, you should make sure that your insurance has you covered.
Read More: Do Medicare Supplement Plans Include Prescription Coverage?
Can I Buy A Generic Version of Eliquis?
A generic version of Eliquis is not currently available to buy. However, the FDA approved a generic version of Eliquis in early 2020. This generic version will simply be called Apixaban. For now, we can’t tell how much Apixaban will cost. However, it will likely be significantly cheaper than name-brand Eliquis.
Does Medicare Cover Eliquis?
If you have only Medicare Part A and Part B, you will have no prescription drug coverage. In this situation, you will have to pay the full cost for Eliquis. This is because Part A and Part B cover only hospital and outpatient services, not prescription drugs.
However, prescription drug coverage is available as Medicare Part D. It is also available from most Medicare Advantage plans.
Learn More: How Much Will I Pay for Medicare In 2020?
Eliquis Coverage Through Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is a way to get your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies. Although these plans primarily cover Part A and Part B services, many of them also include at least some prescription drug costs.
When you buy a Medicare Advantage plan, you should make sure that Eliquis will be covered for you. 99% of Medicare Advantage plans will cover Eliquis, so this is an option you should consider if it is a prescription you will need. You will most likely be able to find a plan that works for you.
Eliquis Coverage Through Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is a part of Medicare that covers prescription drugs, and is offered by private insurance companies. Unlike original Medicare, the pricing is only partially set by the government. Medicare Part D will cover your Eliquis prescription, but you may have to pay a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance.
What’s The Cheapest Way To Get Eliquis?
Finding the cheapest way to get Eliquis can be complicated to figure out. The reason for this is that some plans may involve paying very little for Eliquis itself but may come with high coinsurance, deductible, or premium costs. This means that you pay little for Eliquis on the surface, but your overall prices are higher.
How Expensive is Eliquis with Medicare Part D?
The answer to the question depends mainly on how much your Medicare Part D plan itself costs. It will also depend on whether you have a coinsurance, copayment, or deductible with your plan.
Premiums for Part D tend to be cheap, at around $30 per month. However, this can vary widely. In addition to this, there is no way to tell if your plan will have a copayment or coinsurance, which can change the overall price you will pay for Eliquis.
Medicare Part D costs vary, but you will have to pay extra charges to the government depending on your income. Medicare’s official website has more details.
The maximum deductible for Part D plans in 2020 is $435. This means that you may pay up to $435 for Eliquis before your Part D plan kicks in. Once it does, you may still have to pay a copayment or coinsurance, but the overall cost should remain low. On average, you can pay as little as $19 per month for Eliquis after your deductible has been met. However, this can also be higher, depending on your plan details.
Agent Tip
Even if your Part D plan does cover Eliquis, you may have to meet the plan’s yearly deductible first.
How Expensive Is Eliquis With Medicare Advantage?
The average Medicare Advantage premium will be around $23. This is lower than Medicare Part D. However, when you have Medicare Advantage, you will still have Part B premiums. In addition to this, you’ll still have to pay a deductible and coinsurance for your Medicare Advantage plan.
In addition to this, your premiums can vary. Make sure to check the cost of plans in your area and compare them to Part D plans.
Additional Ways to Save Money on Eliquis
There are a few other ways to save money on Eliquis:
| Eliquis Coupon Card | Eliquis offers a $10 copay card that you can apply to every 30 day supply you purchase, for up to 24 months. |
| Free 30-Day Eliquis Trial Card | This card basically gives you a free 30-day supply of Eliquis, no matter what type of insurance you have. |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation | You may qualify for additional discounts directly from Bristol-Meyers Squibb, depending on your income level. See here for more details. |
Where To Go Next?
Whether you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage plan or just deciding which Medicare Part D plan is best for you, there is a lot to consider.
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If you want help finding out which plan will work best for you, please contact us at 800-208-4974 for additional information.
