Eliquis (apixaban)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $45,180 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or underinsured. Medicare Part D patients may qualify if they have spent a certain amount on medications in the current year and meet income requirements. Patients with commercial insurance are generally directed to the savings card.
Residency
Must be a resident of the United States, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
Income Limits (300% FPL)
Calculated based on 300% of the 2025 FPL. Total household income is verified after taxes.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Eliquis for Free or Low Cost: A Patient Guide to the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)
---
Who Qualifies for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)?
If you need Eliquis (apixaban) but cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF). This program provides free Eliquis to patients who meet income and insurance requirements. To qualify, your annual household income generally must be at or below $45,180 if you live alone — though higher limits apply for larger households. You must also be uninsured or underinsured, meaning your current insurance does not adequately cover the cost of Eliquis. If you have commercial insurance that covers Eliquis, you are typically directed to the Eliquis savings card program instead. The BMSPAF is a legitimate, manufacturer-run foundation designed to remove cost as a barrier to this medication.
---
About Eliquis (apixaban)
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription anticoagulant, sometimes called a blood thinner, made by Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. It belongs to a class of drugs called Factor Xa inhibitors. Eliquis is FDA-approved to treat adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is also used to reduce the risk of blood clots returning after initial treatment. Without insurance or assistance, Eliquis can cost several hundred dollars per month, making it unaffordable for many patients on fixed or limited incomes. The BMSPAF program exists specifically to help eligible patients access this medication at no charge.
---
Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BMSPAF sets income limits based on approximately 300% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Income is counted after taxes and includes all members of your household. The current income limits are:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $45,180 |
| 2 persons | $61,320 |
| 3 persons | $77,460 |
| 4 persons | $93,600 |
When you apply, you will typically need to show your most recent federal tax return, a W-2, a 1099, or three months of recent pay stubs. The program uses your prior-year income documentation in most cases. If your household size falls outside the table above — for example, five or more people — your limit will be higher, and you should contact the program directly to confirm.
If your income is above the limit, you may still have options. Some patients just over the threshold qualify under special circumstances. You can call BMSPAF at (800) 736-0003 to ask whether any exceptions apply to your situation before giving up on this program.
---
Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether BMSPAF is the right program for you:
---
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Eliquis through BMSPAF:
1. Gather your documents first. You will need: a valid prescription for Eliquis signed by your doctor, proof of income (most recent federal tax return, W-2, or 1099), and a completed BMSPAF application form with signatures from both you and your physician.
2. Get the application. Visit the official program website at https://www.bmspaf.org/ to apply online or to download a paper application. You can also call (800) 736-0003 to request that an application be mailed or faxed to you.
3. Complete the application carefully. Fill out all fields, including your household size, income, and insurance information. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays.
4. Have your doctor sign. Your prescribing physician must also sign the application. Many doctors' offices are familiar with this process and can help coordinate.
5. Submit your application. You may submit online at https://www.bmspaf.org/, fax your completed forms to (888) 776-2370, or mail them to the address listed on the application form.
6. Wait for confirmation. BMSPAF will review your application and contact you or your doctor's office with a decision. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
---
What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After you submit your application, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, BMSPAF will notify you or your prescriber of your enrollment. Eliquis is shipped directly to your home address, so you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. You do not need to do anything special at the time of delivery. Your enrollment in the program is valid for one year. Before that year ends, you will need to reapply and reconfirm your eligibility — this annual reauthorization typically requires updated income documentation and a new physician signature.
---
Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for BMSPAF, here are other options to explore:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Eliquis (apixaban) available in the United States, so switching to a lower-cost equivalent is not an option at this time.
2. Eliquis savings card: If you have commercial (private) insurance, you may qualify for the Eliquis savings card, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more and enroll at https://www.eliquis.com/eliquis/savings-and-support.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own drug assistance programs for residents who do not qualify for federal programs. Search for your state's SPAP through your state health department website.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent website lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name or diagnosis. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search for additional programs you may qualify for at no charge.
---
*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html](https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html) before applying.*
---
Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Bristol Myers Squibb / Pfizer offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after BMSPAF receives your completed application. Make sure your application includes all required documents — including your income proof and physician signature — to avoid delays.
If you are approved through the BMSPAF program, Eliquis is shipped directly to your home. You do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or a medical office.
Possibly. Medicare Part D patients may qualify for BMSPAF if they have already spent a certain amount out of pocket on medications during the current benefit year and also meet the income requirements. Call BMSPAF at (800) 736-0003 to find out if your spending level and income make you eligible.
Yes. BMSPAF enrollment lasts for one year, and you must complete an annual reauthorization to continue receiving free Eliquis. This typically involves submitting updated income documentation and a renewed physician signature. Watch for notices from BMSPAF before your enrollment expires so your medication supply is not interrupted.
You may still want to apply or call BMSPAF directly at (800) 736-0003 to discuss your situation. In some cases, special circumstances may be considered. If you do not qualify, the Eliquis savings card at https://www.eliquis.com/eliquis/savings-and-support or programs listed on NeedyMeds.org may help reduce your costs.
Ready to Apply for Eliquis Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month