Affordability Check
How to afford Curosurf
Generic name: poractant alfa
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Curosurf — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
Pick an option above to see your specific path.
Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.
About Curosurf and its cost
What is this medication? Curosurf is a prescription medication used to treat Respiratory Distress Syndrome in premature infants. This condition occurs because a baby's lungs have not yet developed enough natural surfactant, which is a substance that keeps the air sacs in the lungs open. Without enough surfactant, the lungs can collapse, making it very difficult for the infant to breathe and receive enough oxygen.
This medication is a natural lung surfactant derived from porcine lungs. It works by lowering the surface tension on the inner walls of the air sacs, allowing them to expand more easily and stay open during the breathing process. It is typically administered by a healthcare professional directly into the baby's lungs through an endotracheal tube in a hospital or neonatal intensive care setting.
Curosurf is made by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.
Common questions
What's the cheapest way to afford Curosurf?
It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.
Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Curosurf?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But the manufacturer has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Curosurf?
Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.
How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?
Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.
What if I have a high-deductible plan?
For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.
Are there charity grants for Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.
More about Curosurf
Full Curosurf drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3