Does Medicare Part D cover Eliquis?
Coverage, cost, and 2026 details for Eliquis (apixaban) under Medicare Part D.
Quick answer: Yes, Eliquis is generally covered by Medicare Part D plans, typically on Tier 3 (preferred brand). Coverage details, copays, and restrictions vary by plan, so compare plans available in your area to find the best coverage for your medications.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis (apixaban) is a twice-daily oral blood thinner used to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation and to treat or prevent blood clots like DVT and pulmonary embolism. It's one of the most prescribed brand-name drugs on Medicare and one of the 10 drugs whose prices were negotiated by Medicare. Unlike older blood thinners like warfarin, Eliquis doesn't require regular blood tests.
Is Eliquis covered by Medicare Part D?
Eliquis is covered by virtually all Medicare Part D plans on Tier 3 (preferred brand) or sometimes Tier 4. Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare's negotiated price reduces the list price by 56%. This is a significant change since Eliquis is one of the most expensive drugs Medicare pays for in total dollars.
Typical formulary tier
Eliquis is most often listed on Tier 3 (preferred brand) of Part D formularies. The exact tier — and the copay — depends on the specific plan you're enrolled in.
How much does Eliquis cost with Medicare Part D?
Without insurance, Eliquis costs around $550 per month before negotiation at retail pharmacies. With Medicare Part D coverage, you typically pay Lower in 2026 due to negotiation; typically $25 to $250 per month before the $2,100 cap.
Your actual cost depends on:
- Your plan's deductible — up to $615 in 2026
- The tier Eliquis is on in your plan's formulary
- Whether you've reached the $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap
- Whether you qualify for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
- Whether you've enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P), which spreads costs across the year
2026 Medicare-negotiated price
Eliquis is one of the 10 drugs whose prices were negotiated by Medicare under the Inflation Reduction Act. Starting January 1, 2026, the negotiated price reduces the Medicare list price by 56%.
This negotiated price is what Medicare pays to the manufacturer. Your specific copay depends on your plan's tier structure and where you are in the Part D coverage phases. The negotiation is expected to flow through to lower costs for many enrollees, especially as plans adjust their formularies and tiers for 2026.
See all 10 negotiated drugs and 2026 prices →
How to lower your Eliquis costs
1. Compare Part D plans for your specific drugs
The same drug can cost dramatically different amounts on different plans. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder to compare what Eliquis would cost across every plan available in your ZIP code.
2. Check if you qualify for Extra Help
If your income is below approximately $23,475 (single) or $31,725 (married couple) in 2026, you likely qualify for Extra Help, which dramatically reduces what you pay for Eliquis and all your medications. Learn about Extra Help →
3. Use the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P)
M3P doesn't lower your total cost, but it spreads your annual out-of-pocket costs into monthly installments — which can help if Eliquis causes a big upfront pharmacy bill. Learn about M3P →
4. Look into Patient Assistance Programs
Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer may offer a Patient Assistance Program for people with limited income who don't qualify for Extra Help. These programs can provide free or deeply discounted medication directly from the manufacturer. Learn more about manufacturer programs →
5. Ask about alternatives
Talk to your doctor about whether a different medication — including a generic version or a similar drug in the same class — would work for you.
Alternatives to Eliquis
Other medications used for atrial fibrillation, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) include:
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
- Pradaxa (dabigatran)
- Savaysa (edoxaban)
- Warfarin (older generic alternative, requires blood monitoring)
Always discuss any medication change with your prescribing doctor.
Key facts about Eliquis on Medicare
- One of the top 10 Medicare-negotiated drugs (56% reduction in 2026)
- Many plans require prior authorization for first-time fills
- Generic apixaban expected after 2027 patent expirations
Frequently asked questions about Eliquis on Medicare
Does Medicare cover Eliquis?
Yes, Eliquis is generally covered by Medicare Part D plans, most often on Tier 3 (preferred brand). Coverage and costs vary between plans, so compare plans available in your area. Some plans require prior authorization.
How much does Eliquis cost on Medicare Part D?
Costs typically range from Lower in 2026 due to negotiation; typically $25 to $250 per month before the $2,100 cap. Your actual cost depends on your plan's deductible, the tier Eliquis is on, and whether you've reached the $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap.
Is there a generic version of Eliquis?
No, there is no generic version of Eliquis currently available. Patent expirations and FDA approvals will eventually allow generics, but the timing varies. Talk to your doctor about other medications in the same class that may have generic options.
What if my Part D plan doesn't cover this drug?
You have several options: (1) Switch to a different Part D plan during Annual Enrollment that covers Eliquis, (2) Request a formulary exception from your current plan with your prescriber's support, (3) Ask your doctor about a covered alternative medication, or (4) Look into the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program if you have limited income.
Did Medicare negotiate the price of Eliquis?
Yes. Eliquis is one of the 10 drugs whose prices were negotiated by Medicare under the Inflation Reduction Act. Starting January 1, 2026, the negotiated price reduces the Medicare list price by 56%.
Compare your Part D options
Coverage and costs for this drug vary significantly between plans. Compare your options:
You can also visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE