How Much Does Paxlovid Cost?

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19, particularly in individuals at risk of severe illness. With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Paxlovid transitioned from being publicly funded to being sold commercially, raising concerns about its affordability.

The high cost of this medication, along with uncertainties about insurance coverage and savings programs, makes it important for patients to understand how to access it at lower prices.

In this article, different pricing options for Paxlovid will be explored, including retail costs, insurance coverage, and savings programs that can help reduce the expense of this medication.

Paxlovid’s Retail Cost

Paxlovid is sold at varying prices depending on the pharmacy and whether the patient has access to savings programs.

Retail Price for Paxlovid

The retail price for Paxlovid varies across different pharmacies. Below are the listed prices for a course of 30 tablets (150mg/100mg) at several pharmacies:

• Rite Aid: $1,413
• Bartell Drug Co: $1,413
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy: $1,417
• QFC: $1,417
• Safeway: $1,474
• Haggen: $1,474
• Albertsons (Sav-on): $1,474
• CVS Pharmacy: $1,494
• Target (CVS): $1,494
• Walgreens: $1,497
• Community, a Walgreens Pharmacy: $1,497
• Walmart: $1,514
• Walmart Neighborhood Market: $1,514
• Costco: $1,612

How to Use Coupons to Save

Coupons provide a way for patients without insurance to reduce the price of Paxlovid. GoodRx offers coupons that can be:

• Printed
• Emailed
• Sent via text to the patient

These coupons can be presented at various pharmacies to receive discounts. It is important to confirm that the pharmacy accepts these coupons for Paxlovid, as not all locations may honor them.

Paxlovid’s Cost with GoodRx Coupons

Using a GoodRx coupon can drop the cost of Paxlovid to $1,412.59, about 11% off the average retail price. This is an important option for patients who do not have insurance or need an immediate solution to lower the cost of their medication.

Paxlovid’s Cost for Insured Patients

Patients with insurance, whether private or through government programs, often pay less for Paxlovid or may receive the medication at no cost, depending on their plan.

Private Insurance Copay Programs

For patients with private health insurance, the cost of Paxlovid may vary depending on their specific plan. Some private insurance companies may cover the full cost of the medication, while others may require patients to pay a copay.

To help reduce out-of-pocket costs, Pfizer has introduced the PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Program, which allows eligible patients to pay as little as $0 for their Paxlovid prescription. Patients can enroll online or through their healthcare provider, making this a valuable resource for reducing costs.

Paxlovid Cost for Medicare and Medicaid Patients

For Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, Paxlovid will remain free through the end of 2024. This is part of the US Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP), which ensures that these patients can access Paxlovid without paying out of pocket. Patients simply need to present their insurance card at the pharmacy to verify coverage.

Copay Assistance for Underinsured Patients

Underinsured patients, those with private insurance but facing high copays, can benefit from the PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Program. Through this program, eligible patients can reduce their out-of-pocket costs significantly, paying no more than $140 per prescription.

Patient Assistance Programs for the Uninsured

For uninsured patients, several programs ensure they can access Paxlovid at no cost.

Pfizer’s U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP)

The US Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP) offers free access to Paxlovid for uninsured patients. This program provides an electronic voucher, which can be used at participating pharmacies to obtain Paxlovid. The program is set to run through the end of 2024, ensuring that uninsured patients can access the medication without any costs.

Other Federal Programs Offering Free Paxlovid

Federal programs such as the Indian Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to offer free access to Paxlovid for their members. Patients who qualify for these programs can receive the medication at no cost, helping them avoid the high retail price.

Other Ways to Access Paxlovid for Free

Even for those who may not qualify for certain assistance programs, there are alternative ways to access Paxlovid at no charge.

1. Test to Treat Programs

The Test to Treat program allows patients to be tested for COVID-19 and receive treatment immediately if they qualify. Available at select pharmacies and community health centers, this program dispenses Paxlovid or other antiviral medications for free if supplies are available. It will continue to provide free access as long as government-purchased supplies are on hand.

2. Clinical Trials and Research Programs

For patients unable to access Paxlovid through regular channels, clinical trials such as the NIH Home Test to Treat program provide another option. Participants in these trials receive at-home COVID-19 tests and, if positive, can get a free prescription for Paxlovid. This is an important alternative for patients who qualify for the study.

Wrap Up

The retail price of Paxlovid can reach over $1,800 for uninsured patients, but most people can access the medication at a reduced price or for free through savings programs, insurance, or government assistance programs.

Coupons like those from GoodRx help uninsured patients reduce costs, while programs like PAXCESS offer support for those with high copays. Federal assistance programs also ensure that Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients can receive Paxlovid at no cost. Patients should explore their options, use savings programs, or access government initiatives like Test to Treat for free Paxlovid.

Frequently Asked Question

What is Paxlovid used for?

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients at high risk of severe illness.

How quickly do you need to take Paxlovid after symptoms appear?

Paxlovid should be taken within five days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms for maximum effectiveness.

Can Paxlovid be taken without a positive COVID-19 test?

Yes, a positive COVID-19 test is not required to qualify for Paxlovid if other symptoms and risk factors are present.

Can pharmacists prescribe Paxlovid?

Yes, pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid directly to eligible patients, but they require recent health records, including liver and kidney function tests.

Are there drug interactions with Paxlovid?

Yes, Paxlovid interacts with many medications, including cholesterol drugs, blood thinners, and erectile dysfunction medications.