Key Takeaways

  • The U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP), operated by Pfizer, will provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries with free Paxlovid access until December 31, 2025.
  • Paxlovid is a prescription-only oral antiviral medication containing nirmatrelvir and ritonavir that treats mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and is particularly effective for those unvaccinated.
  • The program ensures people with Medicare, Medicaid, other government health programs, or no insurance can continue to receive Paxlovid for free until the specified end date.

The U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP), operated by Pfizer, will provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries with free Paxlovid access until December 31, 2025.

This program is also available to people with Medicaid, TRICARE, VA Community Care Network, and people without insurance.

Previously, Medicare guidance extended free Paxlovid access for its beneficiaries from December 2024 until February 28, 2025.

However, according to the manufacturer, free Paxlovid access has been extended again until December 31, 2025, through its patient assistance program.

This program ensures that people with Medicare, Medicaid, other government health programs, or no insurance at all can continue to receive Paxlovid for free until the specified end date.

Paxlovid is a prescription-only oral antiviral medication containing nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. It treats mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and is particularly effective if you are unvaccinated.

Nirmatrelvir helps to stop a key enzyme from working that the coronavirus needs to multiply. Ritonavir slows the breakdown of nirmatrelvir, enhancing its effects.

Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalization or death from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in older adults by 44%.

It is important to discuss Paxlovid with your doctor or healthcare professional, as there are many possible drug interactions.

Additionally, you may experience side effects when taking Paxlovid, which could include:

  • allergic reactions
  • a change in your taste
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • liver conditions
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • vomiting