If you cannot afford Eliquis, you may be able to get it free — not discounted, but at no cost — through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. The catch is that the eligibility rules are not obvious, and they work differently depending on whether you are uninsured or on Medicare. Get the order of steps wrong and you can be denied for something you actually qualify for. SunnyPharma is an independent health education platform; we do not sell medication, and we have no program to enroll you in — this is a plain-language map of the real one.
This page explains who qualifies, the income limits, the specific sequence Medicare patients must follow, and exactly how to apply — for free, directly, without a middleman.
The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) gives Eliquis free to people who are uninsured or underinsured and earn up to roughly 300% of the federal poverty level (about $45,180 for a single person). Medicare patients can qualify too — but only after checking Extra Help first. Apply free at bmspaf.org or 1-800-736-0003.
- BMSPAF provides Eliquis free, not discounted — for many people it beats every discount card.
- Core eligibility: uninsured or underinsured, US resident, household income up to ~300% of the federal poverty level.
- Medicare patients can qualify, but must generally show they do not qualify for Extra Help and have spent 3%+ of household income out of pocket on prescriptions.
- If you are 65+ and under 150% FPL, BMSPAF requires proof of an Extra Help denial before approving you — so check Extra Help first.
- Applying directly is free; never pay a third party to file for you.
- This is separate from the copay card (commercial insurance, $10/mo) and discount cards (cash price).
What the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation Is
The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) is a nonprofit, manufacturer-run foundation that provides certain BMS medicines — including Eliquis (apixaban) — at no cost to patients who meet its income and insurance criteria. Unlike a coupon or discount card, which lowers a price you still pay, patient assistance supplies the medication free for those who qualify. For uninsured patients and many cost-burdened Medicare patients, it is the single most valuable option available.
Who Qualifies — and the Income Limits
BMSPAF eligibility comes down to three things: residency, insurance status, and household income.
- Residency: US resident, including Puerto Rico and US territories.
- Insurance: uninsured, or underinsured (your coverage does not adequately cover Eliquis). Patients with commercial insurance that covers Eliquis are usually directed to the copay card instead.
- Income: household income generally at or below about 300% of the federal poverty level — roughly $45,180 for a single-person household based on 2025 guidelines, with higher limits for larger households.
“Household income” includes wages, Social Security, retirement and pension income, alimony you receive, and interest and dividends — added up for everyone living in the household (you, your spouse, and dependents). Because the federal poverty level is updated annually, confirm the current figure at bmspaf.org before assuming you are over or under.
If You Have Medicare: Follow the Sequence
This is where most people go wrong. Medicare patients are not automatically excluded from BMSPAF — but the foundation requires a specific order of steps, and skipping it gets applications denied. Here is the actual sequence.
For the full Medicare picture — the 2026 negotiated price, the $2,100 Part D out-of-pocket cap, and the $615 deductible — see Eliquis on Medicare: Cost & Help →
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Gather your documentsProof of income for everyone in the household, your prescription details, and — if you are on Medicare — out-of-pocket prescription expense records and any Extra Help denial.
- Go directly to BMSPAFApply at bmspaf.org or call 1-800-736-0003. Applying directly is free.
- Complete the patient sectionHousehold size and total household income, with supporting documents attached. Missing information delays the response, so complete it in full.
- Have your prescriber complete their partYour doctor confirms the Eliquis prescription on the application. Most prescribers’ offices are familiar with this form.
- Submit and follow upOnce approved, the foundation coordinates supply of the medication. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Never pay a third party to file for you. Some sites charge a “processing fee” to submit an application you can complete yourself for free. BMSPAF does not require a paid intermediary.
Patient Assistance vs. Copay Card vs. Discount Card
These three are easy to confuse, but they serve different people and cannot be mixed.
| Option | For whom | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Assistance (BMSPAF) | Uninsured / underinsured, income-eligible | $0 (free medication) |
| Manufacturer Copay Card | Commercial insurance only (not Medicare/Medicaid) | as low as $10/mo, $2,000/yr max benefit |
| Discount Card (SingleCare, GoodRx) | Cash-pay; cannot combine with insurance | ~$150–$400/mo cash |
Have commercial insurance, or just want to compare the coupon routes? See Eliquis Coupon & Savings Card: Which One Applies to You →
If You Are Denied
A denial is not the end of the road. Ask BMSPAF for a written explanation, then work through the alternatives in order:
- If you are on Medicare and have not checked Extra Help, do that now — many denials are because this step was skipped.
- Compare discount-card cash prices as a fallback for the uninsured who are over the income limit.
- Ask your prescriber whether a clinically appropriate, lower-cost anticoagulant is an option for you.
- If you are on Medicare, review the 2026 negotiated price and Part D out-of-pocket cap, which lower costs regardless of assistance.
Do not stop taking Eliquis while you sort out cost. Stopping a blood thinner abruptly carries a boxed warning for increased risk of clots and stroke. If cost is forcing the decision, call BMS at 1-800-736-0003 or speak with your prescriber or pharmacist before you skip or stop doses.
What About a Generic?
A generic apixaban would lower costs for everyone — but the timeline is contested, and you will see conflicting dates online. Some sources cite a generic as early as late 2026; the more reliable picture is an April 2028 court date governing generic entry, with the possibility of limited, intermittent supply reaching pharmacies earlier under settlement terms. Treat any specific earlier date with caution, and do not delay assistance now on the assumption a cheap generic is weeks away. The options on this page are what exist today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a patient assistance program for Eliquis?
Yes. The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) is a nonprofit that provides Eliquis at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured and meet income requirements. It is separate from the manufacturer copay card and from third-party discount cards. You apply directly and for free at bmspaf.org or by calling 1-800-736-0003.
What are the income limits for the Eliquis patient assistance program?
BMSPAF generally sets income eligibility at or below roughly 300% of the federal poverty level, which for a single-person household is approximately $45,180 (based on 2025 federal poverty guidelines). Higher limits apply for larger households. Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, retirement income, alimony received, and interest or dividends for everyone in the household. Always verify current thresholds at bmspaf.org, as limits update yearly.
Can Medicare patients get the Eliquis patient assistance program?
Sometimes, but only after a specific sequence. Medicare patients may qualify for BMSPAF if they have spent at least 3% of their annual household income out of pocket on prescriptions in the application year, do not qualify for Medicare Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy), and do not qualify for Medicaid. If you are 65 or older with income below 150% of the federal poverty level, BMSPAF requires proof that you were denied Extra Help before it will approve you. Check Extra Help first; it is usually the better benefit.
How do I apply for the Eliquis patient assistance program?
Apply directly to the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation at bmspaf.org or by calling 1-800-736-0003. You complete a household information and income section, attach proof of income, and your prescriber completes a portion confirming the prescription. Medicare applicants may also need to attach out-of-pocket prescription expense records and, in some cases, proof of Extra Help denial. Applying directly is free; you do not need to pay a third party.
Should I check Medicare Extra Help before applying for Eliquis patient assistance?
Yes. If you have Medicare, check Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) first. Patients who qualify for Extra Help may pay as little as $0 and no more than about $12.65 per month for Eliquis, which is usually better than the patient assistance route. BMSPAF also requires many low-income Medicare patients to prove they were denied Extra Help before it will approve them, so Extra Help is the correct first step. Apply for Extra Help at ssa.gov/extrahelp or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What is the difference between the Eliquis copay card and patient assistance?
The Eliquis copay card is for patients with commercial insurance and lowers the copay to as little as $10 per month, up to a $2,000 annual benefit. The patient assistance program (BMSPAF) is for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income limits and provides the medication free, not at a discount. The copay card cannot be used by Medicare or Medicaid patients; the patient assistance program can serve some Medicare patients who meet its separate criteria.
What if I am denied the Eliquis patient assistance program?
If BMSPAF denies you, request a written explanation of why. Common next options include checking Medicare Extra Help if you have not, comparing third-party discount-card cash prices, asking your prescriber about a clinically appropriate alternative anticoagulant, and reviewing the 2026 Medicare-negotiated price and Part D out-of-pocket cap if you are on Medicare. Do not stop taking Eliquis while you sort out cost; stopping a blood thinner abruptly carries a serious clot and stroke risk.
When will a generic for Eliquis be available?
The timeline is contested. Some sources cite a generic as early as late 2026, but the more reliable picture is an April 2028 court date governing generic entry, with the possibility of limited, intermittent supply reaching pharmacies earlier under settlement terms. Treat any specific earlier date with caution. A generic would lower cost but does not change today’s assistance options, which is what this page covers.
How we reviewed this article:
Karen Cooksey researched and wrote this guide using the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation application and eligibility terms, the BMS Eliquis savings program, and Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) guidance from the Social Security Administration. Dr. Aun-Yeong Chong, a cardiologist, reviewed the clinical and access content — including the caution against stopping anticoagulation for cost — for accuracy. SunnyPharma is independent, accepts no pharmaceutical funding, and does not sell medication. Eligibility is determined solely by the program administrator and figures reflect 2026 terms; verify current details at bmspaf.org.
Read our editorial policy →Sources & References
- Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF). Eligibility & application. bmspaf.org; 1-800-736-0003; 2026.
- Bristol Myers Squibb. Eliquis savings, government-insured & commercially-insured patient pages. eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com; 2026.
- Social Security Administration. Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy). ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 Medicare Part D: $2,100 out-of-pocket cap; $615 deductible. CMS.gov; 2026.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (basis for income thresholds).