Is Paxlovid Free? New Costs of COVID Treatments – AARP

Pfizer has priced Paxlovid at $1,390 for the five-day treatment course, the company confirmed to AARP. If all goes according to plan, however, most people will not have to pay that amount, Kates says.

Pfizer has said it will offer a copay program for eligible privately insured patients through 2028, though details of this program, including who might be eligible and how much assistance people can expect to receive, have not been released.

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HHS says it expects there to be commercial coverage for Lagevrio as well. The drugs maker hasnt yet set a price for its pills, but the company told AARP it will be releasing that in the near future.

If you come down with COVID-19 in the next few weeks and need treatment, you may not see a bill at all. During the transition, the government is encouraging health care providers and pharmacies to continue to use federally acquired product until it is depleted or until it expires, at no cost to patients.

You shouldnt have to pay out of pocket for treatment in the next few years if youre uninsured. Pfizer says Paxlovid will remain free for people without health insurance through 2028, and beginning in 2025 it will be free for people who are underinsured, also through 2028. More information will be available soon at paxlovid.com or by calling 1-877-219-7225.

Merck has said that it will have a patient assistance program for eligible patients who, without assistance, could not otherwise afford the product. More information on this program will be available after Nov. 17 at merckhelps.com or by calling 1-800-727-5400.

Its not unusual for transitions to come with a few glitches and hiccups. But any wrinkles are a particular concern when it comes to COVID-19 treatments, health experts say, since timely access to the antivirals is key.

The medications work best when started right away within five days of the onset of symptoms. Any delays due to cumbersome copay programs or confusion over coverage could risk a persons ability to benefit from the treatment, Kates says.

If it creates any holdups or backups, which does happen in the health care system, that could mean the difference between being able to access this medication that is highly important for some people, and not getting it, Kates adds.

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Is Paxlovid Free? New Costs of COVID Treatments - AARP