If you cannot afford Eliquis, there are programs that provide it free or at significantly reduced cost — but which one applies to you depends on your insurance status, income, and age. Getting the sequence wrong leads to a denial you didn’t 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.
This page covers the free medication program (BMSPAF), the Direct-to-Patient cash option, the copay card, Medicare’s Extra Help sequence, income limits, and how to apply — for free, directly, without a middleman.
Free medication (uninsured/underinsured, income ≤~300% FPL): the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) at bmspaf.org — 1-800-736-0003. Reduced cash price (uninsured, over income limit): Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program at ~40% off list, call 1-855-354-7847. Commercial insurance: copay card, as low as $10/mo (expires Dec 31, 2026). Medicare: check Extra Help first, then BMSPAF if denied.
- BMSPAF provides Eliquis free — not discounted — for uninsured or underinsured patients with income up to ~300% FPL (~$45,180 single).
- If you are uninsured but over the income limit, the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program offers ~40% off list price as a cash-pay option.
- The manufacturer copay card (commercial insurance only) reduces costs to as low as $10/mo. It expires December 31, 2026; you must activate before that date.
- Medicare patients must check Extra Help first — it is usually better than BMSPAF, and BMSPAF requires a denial letter for many Medicare applicants.
- If you are 65+ and under 150% FPL, BMSPAF requires proof of Extra Help denial before approving you.
- Applying to BMSPAF directly is free — never pay a third party to file for you.
- What BMSPAF Is
- Who Qualifies & Income Limits
- If You Have Medicare: The Right Sequence
- Direct-to-Patient Program (Uninsured, Over Income Limit)
- If You Have Commercial Insurance (the copay card, briefly)
- How to Apply to BMSPAF, Step by Step
- Comparing All Three Options
- If You Are Denied
- What About a Generic?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation Is
The Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) is a nonprofit that provides certain BMS medicines — including Eliquis (apixaban) — at no cost 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 free. 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 three things: US 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). Commercially insured patients who can use the copay card are directed there instead.
- Income: household income generally at or below about 300% of the federal poverty level — roughly $45,180 for a single-person household (2025 guidelines), 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 (you, your spouse, dependents). The federal poverty level updates annually; confirm current 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.
For the full Medicare picture — the 2026 negotiated price, the $2,000 annual Part D out-of-pocket cap, 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 (or self-paying) but your income is too high for BMSPAF, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer offer a second path: the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program, accessed through ELIQUIS 360 Support. This is not free medication — it is a cash-pay program that sells Eliquis directly to you at roughly 40% off the retail list price. At a list price of around $600/month, that brings the cost to approximately $350 or below.
- Who it serves: uninsured, underinsured, or self-paying patients whose out-of-pocket cost through insurance exceeds the program price.
- What you pay: roughly 40% off retail list price (verify current price at enrollment).
- Cannot combine with insurance — cash prescriptions only, filled by CoverMyMeds Patient Direct Pharmacy.
- Medicare Part D patients are not eligible for this program.
- How to access: call ELIQUIS 360 Support at 1-855-354-7847 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM ET; Sat–Sun 9 AM–6 PM ET) to check eligibility.
This option fills the gap between “qualifies for BMSPAF” and “can afford full retail price.” It is particularly valuable for patients who are working but uninsured and cannot meet BMSPAF income thresholds.
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 manufacturer copay card brings most commercially insured patients to a low monthly cost. It cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, or other government plans, and it is a separate track from the free-medication program that is the focus of this page.
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 below 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 expense records from your pharmacy or Part D plan 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 of the reason.
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 Three Options
| Option | For whom | What you pay | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMSPAF (free medication) | Uninsured / underinsured, income ≤~300% FPL | $0 | bmspaf.org · 800-736-0003 |
| Direct-to-Patient program | Uninsured / self-pay, over income limit (not Medicare Part D) | ~40% off list (~$350/mo) | ELIQUIS 360 Support · 855-354-7847 |
| Copay Card | Commercial insurance only (not Medicare/Medicaid) | $10/mo; $2,000/yr max; expires Dec 31, 2026 | eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/savings |
| Medicare Extra Help | Medicare patients, income ≤~150–185% FPL | $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, try the Direct-to-Patient program (~40% off list).
- 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 2026 negotiated price and $2,000 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 would lower costs for everyone — but the timeline is contested. An April 2028 court date governs generic entry, and some limited early supply under settlement terms may arrive before then. Treat any specific earlier date with caution, and do not delay applying for assistance today on the assumption a cheap generic is weeks away.
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 uninsured or underinsured patients with income up to roughly 300% of the federal poverty level. Apply free at bmspaf.org or 1-800-736-0003. This is separate from the copay card and from third-party discount cards.
How do I get Eliquis for $10 a month?
The $10/month rate comes from the Eliquis manufacturer copay card, which is for patients with commercial (private) insurance and is a separate track from the free-medication program that is the focus of this page. It cannot be used with Medicare or Medicaid. For the exact copay-card terms, activation steps, and how it compares with cash discount cards, see our dedicated Eliquis Coupon & Savings Card guide.
How can I get Eliquis if I can’t afford it?
Your options depend on insurance status. Uninsured or underinsured with income at or below ~300% FPL: apply to BMSPAF at bmspaf.org for free medication. Uninsured but over the income limit: try the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program (~40% off list), call 1-855-354-7847. Commercial insurance: use the copay card (as low as $10/month). Medicare: check Extra Help at ssa.gov/extrahelp first, then BMSPAF if denied.
How do seniors pay for Eliquis?
In 2026, Medicare patients have several options. Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) can lower Eliquis to $0–$12.65/month — check at ssa.gov/extrahelp. The Medicare-negotiated price reduces cost for all Part D enrollees. The $2,000 annual Part D out-of-pocket cap limits total yearly drug spending. BMSPAF can provide Eliquis free to qualifying Medicare patients who complete the Extra Help check first. The manufacturer copay card cannot be used with Medicare.
What are the income limits for the Eliquis patient assistance program?
BMSPAF sets income eligibility at roughly 300% of the federal poverty level — approximately $45,180 for a single person (2025 guidelines), higher for larger households. Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, retirement income, alimony received, and interest or dividends for everyone in the household. 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 annual household income out of pocket on prescriptions, do not qualify for Extra Help, and do not qualify for Medicaid. Patients 65+ with income below 150% FPL 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?
The Eliquis Direct-to-Patient program, available through ELIQUIS 360 Support, lets uninsured or self-paying patients purchase Eliquis directly at roughly 40% off retail list price — approximately $350/month instead of ~$600. It is dispensed by CoverMyMeds Patient Direct Pharmacy and cannot be combined with insurance. It is not free medication, but it fills the gap for patients who don’t qualify for BMSPAF. Call 1-855-354-7847 to check eligibility.
What is the difference between the Eliquis copay card and patient assistance?
The copay card is for commercially insured patients and lowers the copay to as little as $10/month (expires December 31, 2026, $2,000 annual cap). 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 complete the Extra Help check first.
What if I am denied the Eliquis patient assistance program?
Request a written explanation from BMSPAF. 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 further fallback; or ask your prescriber about a lower-cost anticoagulant. Do not stop Eliquis abruptly — stopping a blood thinner carries a boxed warning for clot and stroke risk.
When will a generic for Eliquis be available?
Generic apixaban availability is uncertain. An April 2028 court date governs generic entry, and limited early supply under settlement terms may arrive before then. Do not delay today’s assistance programs on the assumption a cheap generic is imminent.
How we reviewed this article:
Karen Cooksey researched and wrote this guide using the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation eligibility terms and application, the ELIQUIS 360 Support Direct-to-Patient program terms, the BMS/Pfizer Eliquis copay savings program documentation, and Medicare Extra Help 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 reasons — for accuracy. SunnyPharma is independent, accepts no pharmaceutical funding, and does not sell medication. Program terms and eligibility are determined solely by each program administrator; figures reflect 2026 terms and should be verified at bmspaf.org and eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com.
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 / Pfizer. Eliquis Co-Pay Card: commercially insured patients program terms. eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com; expires December 31, 2026.
- Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer. Eliquis Direct-to-Patient Program terms and conditions. eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com; ELIQUIS 360 Support 1-855-354-7847; 2026.
- Social Security Administration. Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy). ssa.gov/extrahelp; 1-800-772-1213.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 Medicare Part D: $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap; $615 deductible. cms.gov; 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Eliquis selected for negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act. cms.gov; 2026.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines. aspe.hhs.gov; 2025.
- Bristol Myers Squibb. Eliquis (apixaban) Full Prescribing Information. Princeton, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 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.
- Agnelli G, et al. Oral apixaban for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism. N Engl J Med. 2013;369(9):799–808. PMID 23808982.
- NeedyMeds. Apixaban / Eliquis patient assistance programs database. needymeds.org; 2026.
- RxAssist. Patient Assistance Program finder — Eliquis. rxassist.org; 2026.
- Patient Advocate Foundation. Co-Pay Relief Program & case management services. patientadvocate.org; 2026.
- TotalAssist (Patient Advocate Foundation / PAN Foundation). Financial assistance funds including cardiovascular conditions. totalassist.org; launched July 1, 2026.
- HealthWell Foundation. Anticoagulant fund for copay assistance. healthwellfoundation.org; 2026.