The number of Americans who develop atrial fibrillation (AF) is on the rise, and the prevalence rate among the 65+ Medicare population has increased as well due to improved survival of AF patients. Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), which is attributable for about 70% of AF cases, results in $6.65 billion in annual costs in the United States. This paper outlines the cost, utilization, mortality, and risk characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries who are NVAF patients, and also discusses several important considerations regarding NVAF anticoagulation therapy.