Hey there! Are you trying to figure out the cost of Eliquis at Kroger? It can be a real puzzle navigating prescription prices, especially for important medications like Eliquis. Don't worry, you're in the right place! We're going to break down everything you need to know about how much Eliquis might cost you at Kroger, and more importantly, how to potentially save a significant amount of money. Let's dive in!
How Much is Eliquis at Kroger? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Saving
Eliquis (apixaban) is a vital anticoagulant often prescribed to prevent blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation or after hip/knee replacement surgery. Its importance is undeniable, but so is its price tag, which can be quite steep. Knowing the ins and outs of pricing at pharmacies like Kroger, and exploring available savings, can make a huge difference in your healthcare budget.
Step 1: Understand the Baseline - The Cash Price of Eliquis
First things first, let's get a general idea of what Eliquis might cost without any discounts or insurance. This is often referred to as the "cash price" or "retail price."
The Uninsured Reality
The average retail price for a 30-day supply of Eliquis (e.g., 60, 5 mg tablets) without insurance can be quite high, often ranging from $799 to over $800. This can translate to roughly $27 per day or $13 per tablet.
Why does it vary?
Even without insurance, prices can differ slightly from one Kroger pharmacy to another, or even between different pharmacies in the same zip code. This is due to various factors including the pharmacy's purchasing agreements and local pricing strategies.
Step 2: Leverage Your Insurance - How Coverage Impacts Cost at Kroger
If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for Eliquis at Kroger will primarily depend on your specific plan's formulary, deductible, co-pay, and co-insurance.
Sub-heading: Decoding Your Insurance Benefits
Formulary: This is your insurance plan's list of covered medications. Ensure Eliquis is on your plan's formulary. If it's not, your doctor may need to request a prior authorization or consider an alternative.
Deductible: This is the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. If you haven't met your deductible, you'll likely pay the full negotiated price until you do.
Co-pay: Once your deductible is met, you'll usually pay a fixed co-payment for each prescription. For brand-name drugs like Eliquis, co-pays can range from $30 to $100 or more, though many commercially insured patients report paying as little as $10 to $35 per month with assistance programs.
Co-insurance: Instead of a fixed co-pay, some plans require you to pay a percentage of the medication's cost. This can mean a higher out-of-pocket expense for expensive drugs.
Sub-heading: What to Expect with Different Plans
Commercial/Private Insurance: Many commercial plans cover Eliquis. With a manufacturer's co-pay card (discussed in Step 3), eligible commercially insured patients might pay as little as $10 per month.
Medicare Part D: Eliquis is generally covered by most Medicare Part D plans. However, your cost will depend on your specific plan's tiering for Eliquis and whether you've entered the "donut hole" (coverage gap).
Medicaid: Eliquis is typically covered by Medicaid plans.
Step 3: Unlock Savings - Discount Programs, Coupons, and Patient Assistance
This is where you can really make a difference in the cost of your Eliquis prescription at Kroger. There are numerous avenues to explore for significant savings.
Sub-heading: Manufacturer Co-pay Cards and Free Trial Offers
Eliquis Co-pay Card: Bristol Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Eliquis, offers a co-pay card program. Eligible commercially insured patients can often pay as little as $10 per 30-day supply for up to 24 months, with an annual maximum benefit (e.g., $6,400). You can usually apply for and activate these cards online or by calling the Eliquis patient support line.
Free Trial Offer Card: Your healthcare provider may be able to provide you with a free trial offer card for a 30-day supply of Eliquis. This is an excellent way to start the medication without immediate high costs.
Sub-heading: Prescription Discount Cards and Programs (Accepted at Kroger)
SingleCare, GoodRx, BuzzRx, ScriptSave WellRx, Easy Drug Card, RxSaver: These are popular prescription discount services that offer coupons and savings cards. You can typically find discounts for Eliquis that can bring the price down significantly, sometimes as low as $488 to $650 for a 30-day supply, even without insurance.
How it works: You search for Eliquis on their website or app, get a coupon (which you can print, email, or text to yourself), and present it to the Kroger pharmacist when you pick up your prescription.
Important Note: These discount cards generally cannot be combined with your insurance. You'll use either your insurance or the discount card, whichever offers the better price. Always compare!
Sub-heading: Kroger's Own Programs and Affiliations
Kroger Prescription Plans / Kroger Health Savings Club: While the Kroger Health Savings Club for new memberships/renewals may be discontinued, Kroger pharmacies are integrated with various prescription plans. It's always worth asking your Kroger pharmacist about any internal discount programs or preferred networks they participate in.
Caremark Maintenance Choice Program: If your insurance is Caremark, you might be able to fill 90-day prescriptions at Kroger retail pharmacies instead of through mail order, potentially offering savings or convenience.
Sub-heading: Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
For individuals facing significant financial hardship and who are uninsured or underinsured, patient assistance programs offer medications at a reduced cost or even for free.
Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation: The manufacturer of Eliquis has its own patient assistance program for eligible individuals. You can visit their website (bmspaf.org) or call their patient support line for more information and eligibility criteria.
Non-profit Organizations: Organizations like Simplefill and NeedyMeds can help connect you with various patient assistance programs that you might qualify for. They often assist with the application process.
Step 4: The Art of Comparison Shopping
Don't just assume the first price you see is the best one. Prices can fluctuate even between different Kroger locations or other pharmacies in your area.
Sub-heading: Using Online Tools
Utilize websites and apps like SingleCare, GoodRx, and others to compare Eliquis prices at various pharmacies, including different Kroger stores, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and local independent pharmacies. Enter your dosage and quantity for the most accurate comparison.
Sub-heading: Calling Ahead
Once you've identified a few potentially lower prices online, it's always a good idea to call the specific Kroger pharmacy directly to confirm the price before you make the trip. Mention any discount cards or programs you intend to use.
Step 5: Discuss Alternatives with Your Doctor
While Eliquis is a highly effective medication, it's important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about all your options.
Sub-heading: Generic Availability
Currently, there is no generic version of Eliquis (apixaban) available on the market. This is a significant factor in its high cost. Generic versions of brand-name drugs are typically much more affordable.
However, your doctor might consider other direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or older blood thinners (like warfarin) if they are medically appropriate and more affordable for your situation. Always discuss any potential medication changes with your doctor before making any decisions.
Step 6: Stay Informed and Proactive
Prescription prices and available savings programs can change. It pays to stay informed and to re-evaluate your options periodically.
Sub-heading: Regular Reviews
Before each refill, especially if your financial situation or insurance coverage changes, take a few minutes to re-check prices and available coupons.
Sign up for manufacturer support programs and discount card email lists to be notified of new offers or changes.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Save on Eliquis at Kroger
How to find the exact price of Eliquis at my specific Kroger pharmacy? You can use online prescription price comparison tools like SingleCare or GoodRx and enter your specific zip code to see prices at nearby Kroger locations. You can also call your local Kroger pharmacy directly.
How to use an Eliquis Co-pay Card at Kroger? If you are commercially insured and eligible, apply for the Eliquis Co-pay Card online or receive one from your doctor. Present the activated card to the Kroger pharmacist when you pick up your prescription, along with your insurance information.
How to know if Eliquis is covered by my insurance at Kroger? Contact your insurance provider directly by calling the number on your insurance card. Ask about Eliquis (apixaban) coverage, its tiering, and your co-pay/co-insurance obligations. Kroger pharmacy staff can also often help verify this when you drop off your prescription.
How to get Eliquis for free or at a very low cost? Explore patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer (Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation) or non-profit organizations like Simplefill. These programs are typically for uninsured or underinsured individuals with financial hardship.
How to save on Eliquis if I don't have insurance? Utilize free prescription discount cards from services like SingleCare, GoodRx, or BuzzRx. These cards can significantly reduce the cash price of Eliquis at Kroger and other pharmacies.
How to compare Eliquis prices between Kroger and other pharmacies? Use websites and apps like SingleCare, GoodRx, or RxSaver. Enter your medication, dosage, and zip code to compare prices across a wide range of pharmacies, including Kroger, Walmart, CVS, and others.
How to transfer my Eliquis prescription to a Kroger pharmacy? Simply contact the Kroger pharmacy you wish to use and let them know you'd like to transfer a prescription. Provide them with your current pharmacy's name and contact information, and they will handle the transfer process.
How to get a 90-day supply of Eliquis to save money? Check with your insurance provider and your doctor. Many insurance plans offer savings on 90-day supplies, and Kroger pharmacies often accommodate these extended fills. Some discount programs also offer better prices for larger quantities.
How to get help if I'm struggling to afford Eliquis even with discounts? Reach out to the Eliquis 360 Support program (1-855-ELIQUIS, 354-7847) from the manufacturer. They can help with benefit reviews, co-pay card eligibility, and prior authorization assistance. You can also contact non-profit patient advocacy groups.
How to find out if a generic version of Eliquis is available to save money? Currently, there is no generic equivalent for Eliquis (apixaban) approved and available on the market. Always consult your doctor to discuss if any alternative medications might be suitable for your condition.
