If you cannot afford Eliquis, more than one program can bring the cost to $0 or close to it — but which one applies to you depends on your insurance status, income, and age. Getting the sequence wrong leads to a denial you did not deserve. SunnyPharma is an independent health education platform; we do not sell medication or enroll you in anything. This is a plain-language map of every real option available in 2026, with every figure traced to Bristol Myers Squibb, Medicare, or federal primary sources.
Free medication (uninsured/underinsured, income at or below $45,180 single / $61,320 family of two): the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF), bmspaf.org or 1-800-736-0003. Reduced cash price (uninsured, over the income limit): Eliquis Direct-to-Patient at $345 per 30-day supply, call 1-855-354-7847. Commercial insurance: the copay card, as little as $10 a month. Medicare: check Extra Help first, then BMSPAF.
- BMSPAF provides Eliquis free — not discounted — for uninsured or underinsured patients with household income at or below $45,180 (single) / $61,320 (family of two), about 300% of the federal poverty level.
- If you are uninsured but over the income limit, the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program sells Eliquis for $345 per 30-day supply — roughly 43% below the $606 list price.
- The manufacturer copay card (commercial insurance only) lowers cost to as little as $10 a month, up to a $2,000 annual benefit. It must be activated by December 31, 2026, then runs 24 months from activation.
- A patient new to Eliquis can use the Free 30-Day Trial once even on Medicare — it has no insurance requirement in BMS’s own terms.
- Medicare patients must check Extra Help first; BMSPAF requires a denial letter for many Medicare applicants, and Extra Help is usually the better benefit.
- Applying to BMSPAF directly is free — never pay a third party to file for you.
What the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation Is
The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) supplies Eliquis at no cost — it is free medication, not a discount. BMSPAF is an independent nonprofit that provides certain BMS medicines, including Eliquis (apixaban), to patients who meet income and insurance criteria. Unlike a coupon or discount card, which lowers a price you still pay, patient assistance supplies the medication itself. For uninsured patients and many cost-burdened Medicare patients who complete the right sequence, it is the most valuable option available.
Who Qualifies — and the Income Limits
BMSPAF eligibility comes down to US residency, insurance status, and household income. The income ceiling is the figure most people get wrong, so it is worth stating precisely.
- Residency: US resident, including Puerto Rico and US territories.
- Insurance: uninsured, or underinsured (your coverage does not adequately cover Eliquis). Commercially insured patients who can use the copay card are directed there instead.
- Income: household income at or below $45,180 for a single person or $61,320 for a family of two — approximately 300% of the 2025 federal poverty level, with higher limits for larger households.
“Household income” includes wages, Social Security, pensions, retirement income, alimony received, and interest and dividends — for everyone in the household. The federal poverty level updates annually, so confirm the current dollar figures at bmspaf.org before assuming you are over or under the limit.
If You Have Medicare: Follow This Sequence
Medicare patients are not automatically excluded from BMSPAF, but the foundation requires a specific order of steps — and skipping it causes preventable denials.
“No one should stop apixaban (Eliquis) over cost — stopping this blood thinner abruptly raises stroke risk. In nearly every situation a program exists to keep treatment going, so check eligibility before skipping a dose.”
— Dr. Aun-Yeong Chong, MBBS, MD, MRCP, cardiologist and SunnyPharma medical reviewerFor the full Medicare picture — the $231 negotiated price, the $2,100 annual Part D out-of-pocket cap, the deductible, and Extra Help eligibility — see Eliquis on Medicare: Cost & Help →
Direct-to-Patient Program: For Uninsured Patients Over the Income Limit
If you are uninsured but earn too much for BMSPAF, you can buy Eliquis directly for $345 per 30-day supply — about 43% below the $606 list price. Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer offer this through the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program, accessed via ELIQUIS 360 Support. It is not free medication; it is a transparent cash price that bypasses the retail pharmacy entirely.
- Who it serves: uninsured, underinsured, or self-paying patients whose out-of-pocket cost through insurance exceeds the program price.
- What you pay: $345 per 30-day supply (60 tablets); larger quantities priced proportionally (74 tablets $426, 90-day supply $1,035).
- Cannot combine with insurance — cash prescriptions only, filled by CoverMyMeds Patient Direct Pharmacy, shipped free to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
- Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage patients are not eligible for this program.
- How to enroll: call ELIQUIS 360 Support at 1-855-354-7847 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM ET) to check eligibility.
This option fills the gap between “qualifies for free BMSPAF medication” and “can afford full retail price.” It is especially useful for patients who are working but uninsured and cannot meet BMSPAF income thresholds.
The Free 30-Day Trial — Usable Once, Even on Medicare
One BMS offer has no insurance requirement at all: the Eliquis Free 30-Day Trial, which a patient new to Eliquis can use a single time even on Medicare. Most coupon sites tell Medicare patients they are locked out of every manufacturer offer. That is true for the copay card and the Direct-to-Patient program — but not for the Free 30-Day Trial.
The myth: “If you have Medicare, no Eliquis manufacturer program can help you.”
The fact: The Free 30-Day Trial Offer Card carries no insurance requirement in BMS’s own terms. A patient who has never filled an Eliquis prescription can redeem it once for a free 30-day supply of up to 74 tablets. Because its value cannot be counted toward Medicare Part D out-of-pocket totals (the TrOOP exclusion), it is offered independently of your coverage. Ask your prescriber for the Free Trial Offer Card.
If You Have Commercial Insurance: The Copay Card (Briefly)
If you have commercial (private) insurance, you likely do not need patient assistance at all — the Eliquis copay card brings most commercially insured patients to a low monthly cost. It lowers cost to as little as $10 a month, up to a $2,000 annual benefit, and must be activated by December 31, 2026, after which it runs 24 months from activation. It cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, or other government plans.
Because the copay card is a different tool for a different situation, we cover its exact terms, activation steps, and how it compares with cash discount cards on the dedicated guide: Eliquis Coupon & Savings Card → If you are uninsured or underinsured, the copay card will not help you — the BMSPAF free-medication program is your route.
How to Apply to BMSPAF, Step by Step
- Gather your documentsProof of income for everyone in the household (W-2s, Social Security award letters, pension statements), your Eliquis prescription details, and — if you are on Medicare — out-of-pocket prescription records and any Extra Help denial letter.
- Go directly to BMSPAFApply at bmspaf.org or call 1-800-736-0003. Applying directly is free. Do not pay a third party to file for you.
- Complete the patient sectionHousehold size and total household income, with all supporting documents attached. Incomplete applications delay responses.
- Have your prescriber complete their sectionYour doctor confirms the Eliquis prescription on the application. Most prescribers’ offices are familiar with this form.
- Submit and follow upOnce approved, BMSPAF coordinates supply of the medication. Keep copies of everything you send. If you are denied, request a written explanation.
Never pay a third party to file for you. Some sites charge a fee to submit an application you can complete yourself for free. BMSPAF does not require a paid intermediary, and paying one does not improve your chances.
Comparing All the Options
| Option | For whom | What you pay | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMSPAF (free medication) | Uninsured / underinsured, income ≤ $45,180 single | $0 | bmspaf.org · 800-736-0003 |
| Direct-to-Patient program | Uninsured / self-pay, over income limit (not Medicare) | $345 / 30-day supply | ELIQUIS 360 · 855-354-7847 |
| Free 30-Day Trial | New to Eliquis (Medicare patients may use once) | $0, one time | Ask your prescriber |
| Copay Card | Commercial insurance only (not Medicare/Medicaid) | $10/mo; $2,000/yr max; activate by Dec 31, 2026 | eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/savings |
| Medicare Extra Help | Medicare patients, low income | $0–$12.65/mo | ssa.gov/extrahelp · 800-772-1213 |
If You Are Denied
A denial is not the end of the road — request a written explanation from BMSPAF, then work through the alternatives.
- If you have Medicare and have not checked Extra Help, do that now — many denials occur because this step was skipped.
- If you are uninsured and over the income limit, use the Direct-to-Patient program at $345 per 30-day supply.
- Compare discount-card cash prices (SingleCare, GoodRx) as a further fallback for the uninsured.
- Ask your prescriber whether a clinically appropriate, lower-cost anticoagulant is an option for your indication.
- If you are on Medicare, review the $231 negotiated price and $2,100 annual Part D cap, which reduce costs regardless of assistance programs.
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 the issue, call BMS at 1-800-736-0003 or speak with your prescriber or pharmacist before skipping or stopping doses.
What About a Generic?
Generic apixaban was approved by the FDA in December 2019, but patent settlements block it from broad US pharmacy sale until April 1, 2028. Some sites claim a cheap generic is already widely available — that is inaccurate. Treat any earlier availability date with caution, and do not delay applying for assistance today on the assumption a generic is weeks away. For the full timeline, see Generic Eliquis: When It’s Coming →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a patient assistance program for Eliquis?
Yes. The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) provides Eliquis at no cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements. Apply free directly at bmspaf.org or 1-800-736-0003. This is separate from the copay card and from third-party discount cards.
What are the income limits for the Eliquis patient assistance program?
The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation sets Eliquis eligibility at a household income at or below $45,180 for a single person or $61,320 for a family of two, which is about 300% of the 2025 federal poverty level. Higher limits apply to larger households. Verify current thresholds at bmspaf.org, as figures update yearly.
How can I get Eliquis if I can’t afford it?
Your options depend on your insurance status. Uninsured or underinsured at or below $45,180 (single): apply to BMSPAF at bmspaf.org for free medication. Uninsured but over the income limit: the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program sells Eliquis for $345 per 30-day supply. Commercial insurance: the copay card lowers cost to as little as $10 a month. Medicare: check Extra Help first at ssa.gov/extrahelp, then BMSPAF.
How do seniors on Medicare pay for Eliquis?
Medicare patients have several 2026 options. Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) can lower Eliquis to $0–$12.65 a month. The Medicare-negotiated price of $231 a month applies to all Part D enrollees, and the $2,100 annual Part D out-of-pocket cap limits total yearly drug spending. BMSPAF can provide Eliquis free to Medicare patients who meet income limits and check Extra Help first. The manufacturer copay card cannot be used with Medicare.
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 annual household income out of pocket on prescriptions, do not qualify for Extra Help, and do not qualify for Medicaid. Patients 65 and older with income below 150% of the poverty level must provide proof of Extra Help denial. Check Extra Help first; it is usually the better benefit.
What is the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program and how much does it cost?
The Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program, run through ELIQUIS 360 Support, lets uninsured or self-paying patients buy Eliquis for $345 per 30-day supply of 60 tablets, roughly 43% below the $606 list price. It is dispensed by CoverMyMeds Patient Direct Pharmacy and cannot be combined with insurance. Medicare Part D patients are not eligible. Call 1-855-354-7847 to enroll.
Can a Medicare patient use the Eliquis Free 30-Day Trial?
Yes, once. The Eliquis Free 30-Day Trial Offer has no insurance requirement in Bristol Myers Squibb’s own terms, so a patient new to Eliquis can use it a single time even on Medicare. It provides a free 30-day supply of up to 74 tablets and cannot count toward Medicare Part D out-of-pocket totals. It is limited to one use per lifetime for patients who have never filled an Eliquis prescription.
What is the difference between the Eliquis copay card and patient assistance?
The Eliquis copay card is for commercially insured patients and lowers cost to as little as $10 a month, up to a $2,000 annual benefit; it must be activated by December 31, 2026 and then runs 24 months from activation. Patient assistance (BMSPAF) provides Eliquis free to uninsured or underinsured income-eligible patients. The copay card cannot be used with Medicare or Medicaid; BMSPAF can serve some Medicare patients who check Extra Help first.
What if I am denied the Eliquis patient assistance program?
Ask BMSPAF for a written explanation. Then try Extra Help if you have Medicare and have not applied, the Direct-to-Patient program if you are uninsured and over income limits, discount-card cash prices as a fallback, or ask your prescriber about a clinically appropriate lower-cost anticoagulant. Do not stop Eliquis abruptly; stopping a blood thinner carries a serious clot and stroke risk.
When will a generic for Eliquis be available?
Generic apixaban was approved by the FDA in December 2019 but is blocked from broad US pharmacy sale until April 1, 2028 under patent settlements. Claims that a cheap generic is already widely available are inaccurate. Do not delay today’s assistance programs on the assumption a generic is imminent.
How we reviewed this article:
Written by Karen Cooksey from Bristol Myers Squibb, ELIQUIS 360, SSA, and CMS program terms; reviewed for clinical accuracy by cardiologist Dr. Aun-Yeong Chong. SunnyPharma is independent and sells no medication. Verify current figures at bmspaf.org.
Read our editorial policy →Sources & References
- Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF). Eligibility and application; income at or below $45,180 single / $61,320 family of two. bmspaf.org; 1-800-736-0003; 2026.
- Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer. Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program price sheet: $345 per 30-day supply (60 tablets). Doc 432-US-2600029 02/26. eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com; ELIQUIS 360 Support 1-855-354-7847.
- Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer. Announcement of Direct-to-Patient option: more than 40% below the $606 list price. news.bms.com; September 2025.
- Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer. Eliquis Co-Pay Card terms: $10/30-day, $2,000 annual maximum, activate by December 31, 2026, expires 24 months from activation. Doc 432-US-2500385 01/26. eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/savings.
- Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer. Eliquis Free 30-Day Trial Offer terms: up to 74 tablets, no insurance requirement, one per lifetime, TrOOP-excluded. Doc 432-US-2500385 01/26.
- Social Security Administration. Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): $0–$12.65/month. ssa.gov/extrahelp; 1-800-772-1213.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 Medicare Part D: $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap. cms.gov; CY2026 program parameters.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Eliquis Maximum Fair Price $231/month, effective January 1, 2026. cms.gov; 2026.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines. aspe.hhs.gov; 2025.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Apixaban (generic Eliquis) first ANDA approvals, December 2019; broad market entry April 1, 2028 per patent settlements. fda.gov; 2019.
- Bristol Myers Squibb. Eliquis (apixaban) Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings. Princeton, NJ; revised 2025.
- Granger CB, et al. Apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(11):981–992. PMID 21870978.