Sotyktu (deucravacitinib)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — BMS Patient Assistance Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured, underinsured (insurance coverage denied), or have Medicare Part D; commercially insured patients are ineligible for the foundation but eligible for the copay card.
Residency
U.S. resident residing in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Calculated based on 600% FPL for 2025; thresholds may be adjusted for high-cost-of-living areas.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# How to Get Sotyktu (Deucravacitinib) Through the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation
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Who Qualifies for the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation?
If you need Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) but cannot afford it, the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation may be able to provide it to you at no cost. This program is run directly by Bristol Myers Squibb, the maker of Sotyktu. To qualify, a single-person household must earn no more than $90,360 per year. Your insurance status also matters: this foundation is designed for people who are uninsured, have Medicare Part D, or have had insurance coverage denied for Sotyktu. If you have active commercial (private) insurance that covers the drug, you will not qualify for this foundation — but a separate savings card program may still help you.
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About Sotyktu (Deucravacitinib)
Sotyktu is a prescription oral tablet approved by the FDA to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It belongs to a drug class called TYK2 inhibitors, which work through a specific pathway involved in immune response. Unlike many older psoriasis treatments, Sotyktu is taken by mouth once daily rather than by injection. Because it is a newer, branded specialty medication with no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives currently available, its list price can be very high — often thousands of dollars per month — making it out of reach for many patients without financial assistance.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation uses income thresholds set at 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for 2025. Here is the breakdown by household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
Thresholds may be adjusted upward for patients living in high-cost-of-living areas.
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), W-2 forms, or a Social Security Benefit Statement if applicable. If your income has recently changed, some programs also accept three months of recent pay stubs — check with the foundation when you apply.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for the foundation. However, you should still explore the other options listed in the "Alternatives" section below, including state pharmaceutical assistance programs and NeedyMeds.org, which can point you toward additional resources based on your specific situation.
Income is evaluated based on your full household, meaning everyone living together whose finances are combined. If you live alone, only your income counts. If you have a larger household, the higher thresholds may work in your favor.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation determines which part of the BMS program applies to you:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Gather your documents.
You will need three things: (1) a completed application form with your physician's signature, (2) proof of income such as a Form 1040 tax return, W-2, or Social Security Benefit Statement, and (3) a valid prescription for Sotyktu from your doctor.
Step 2: Choose your application method.
You can apply in one of several ways:
Step 3: Have your doctor involved.
Your prescribing physician must sign the application. It may help to ask your doctor's office to assist with completing and submitting the paperwork, as many offices handle this regularly.
Step 4: Submit and confirm receipt.
After submitting, confirm that your application was received, especially if you faxed it. Keep copies of everything you send.
Step 5: Wait for a decision.
Processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days after all required documents are received.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is approved, you can expect a decision within 2 to 3 business days from the date the foundation receives your complete application. You or your doctor's office will typically be notified of the approval.
If approved, your Sotyktu will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. Make sure your shipping address is current on your application.
To continue receiving the medication beyond the first approval period, you will need to reauthorize annually. This means submitting updated income documentation and a new physician signature each year. Watch for renewal notices so your supply is not interrupted.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the income or insurance requirements for the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation, here are other options to explore:
(1) Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Sotyktu. This option is not available at this time.
(2) Sotyktu Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the manufacturer's savings card program, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more and enroll at https://www.sotyktu.com/savings-support.
(3) State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own programs to help residents afford expensive medications. Eligibility rules vary by state. Search for your state's program through your state health department website.
(4) NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name, condition, and state. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search for additional options that may apply to your situation.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Bristol Myers Squibb. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html](https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Bristol Myers Squibb offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days after the foundation receives your completed application, including all required documents and your physician's signature. Incomplete applications may take longer, so make sure everything is included before you submit.
Yes. Unlike many manufacturer assistance programs, the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation does accept patients who have Medicare Part D coverage. You will still need to meet the income eligibility requirements based on your household size.
Yes. If your insurance denied coverage specifically for Sotyktu, you may qualify under the 'underinsured' category. A denial letter from your insurer can help support your application. Contact the foundation at (800) 736-0003 for guidance on documenting this.
Yes. Annual reauthorization is required to continue receiving Sotyktu through the program. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed physician signature. Plan ahead so your medication supply is not interrupted during the renewal process.
Yes. While you are not eligible for the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation if your commercial insurance covers Sotyktu, you may qualify for the Sotyktu Savings Card, which is designed to lower your copay or out-of-pocket costs. You can find enrollment details at https://www.sotyktu.com/savings-support.
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