Affordability Check
How to afford Stelara
Generic name: ustekinumab
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Stelara — 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 Stelara and its cost
Stelara, which has the generic name ustekinumab, is a prescription biologic medication used to treat a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions. It is frequently prescribed for adults and children six years of age and older who have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and may benefit from systemic therapy or phototherapy. Additionally, it is used to manage active psoriatic arthritis in adults and children six years of age and older, helping to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with the condition. The medication is also approved for use in adults with moderate to severe Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease. Stelara works by blocking the action of two specific proteins in the body, interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, that contribute to inflammation. By targeting these proteins, the drug helps to calm the overactive immune response responsible for skin lesions, joint damage, and digestive tract issues.
Stelara is made by Janssen. 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 Stelara?
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 Stelara?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Janssen has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Stelara?
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 Psoriasis?
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 Stelara
Full Stelara drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Psoriasis
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