Stelara (ustekinumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D patients who meet specific eligibility criteria and have no other coverage options.
Residency
Must reside in the U.S. or a U.S. territory and be treated by a U.S. licensed healthcare provider.
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated at 500% of 2025 FPL; threshold for specialty biologics like Stelara is typically higher than standard pharmacy products.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Stelara for Free or at Low Cost Through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)
Who Qualifies for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)?
If you cannot afford Stelara (ustekinumab), you may be able to get it at no cost through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF). This program is designed specifically for patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income limit is $75,300. To qualify, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D — and you must have no other adequate coverage options available to you. If you meet these criteria, the JJPAF may provide Stelara to you free of charge, shipped directly to your prescriber's office.
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About Stelara (ustekinumab)
Stelara is a prescription biologic medication manufactured by Janssen. It belongs to a drug class called interleukin-12 and -23 antagonists, which work by targeting specific proteins involved in immune system activity. Stelara is FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Because it is a specialty biologic, Stelara carries a very high list price — often tens of thousands of dollars per year — making it unaffordable for many patients without insurance or with limited coverage. Patient assistance programs like the JJPAF exist to help bridge that gap for eligible individuals.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The JJPAF uses household size and annual income to determine eligibility. The income limits below are calculated at 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is a higher threshold than many standard drug assistance programs — reflecting the high cost of specialty biologics like Stelara.
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), your last W-2, or your three most recent pay stubs. If your income is just above the listed limit, it is still worth contacting the program directly, as some household circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you clearly exceed the income threshold, you may not qualify for free medication through JJPAF, but alternative options are available — see the final section of this guide for next steps. Household size generally includes all individuals living in your home who file taxes together or share financial dependence.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program applies to different coverage scenarios:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Stelara through the JJPAF:
1. Review eligibility first. Visit https://www.stelara-us.com/cost-support to confirm current program requirements before you begin.
2. Gather your documents. You will need:
- A completed and signed JJPAF application form
- Proof of income (your most recent Form 1040, a W-2, or your last three pay stubs)
- A valid, current prescription for Stelara from your doctor
- Your insurance card(s), if you have any coverage
3. Choose your application method. You have multiple ways to apply:
- Online: Go to https://www.jjpaf.org to start your application digitally
- By phone: Call (800) 652-6227 to speak with a program representative who can guide you through the process
- By fax: Submit your completed paperwork to (888) 526-5168
4. Have your doctor's office involved. Your prescriber will need to sign portions of the application. Many offices are familiar with this process — ask your doctor's staff for help if needed.
5. Submit everything together. Incomplete applications are a common cause of delays. Confirm all forms are signed and all documents are included before submitting.
6. Wait for confirmation. After submission, the program will review your application and notify you of the decision.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your complete application is submitted, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive confirmation of your approval status through the program. If approved, Stelara will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. Your doctor's office will contact you when the medication is ready for pickup or administration. You do not need to do anything special at pickup beyond your normal appointment process. To continue receiving Stelara through the JJPAF, reauthorization is required once per year. You will need to resubmit updated income documentation and a new application before your approval period expires.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the JJPAF program, you still have options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilar alternatives. Several FDA-approved biosimilars to Stelara are available and may cost significantly less. These include Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub), Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttpk), Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn), and Otulfi (ustekinumab-aeksy). Ask your doctor whether a biosimilar may be appropriate for your treatment.
2. Manufacturer savings card for insured patients. If you have commercial insurance, you may qualify for the Janssen CarePath savings program, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.janssencarepath.com/patient/stelara/cost-support for details.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. Eligibility and benefits vary by state, so check with your state health department or Medicare plan.
4. NeedyMeds.org. This free, searchable database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and state programs by drug name or condition. It is a useful starting point if you need to explore multiple options at once.
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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 Janssen. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.stelara-us.com/cost-support](https://www.stelara-us.com/cost-support) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Stelara: Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub), Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttpk), Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn), Otulfi (ustekinumab-a Kesy). Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Janssen 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
After you submit a complete application with all required documents, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays, so make sure everything is signed and included before you submit.
Yes, Medicare Part D patients may qualify for the JJPAF program if they meet the income requirements and have no other adequate prescription drug coverage. This is different from many assistance programs, which exclude Medicare patients entirely.
No. If your application is approved, Stelara will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office. Your doctor's staff will let you know when the medication has arrived and when you can come in to pick it up or receive it.
Yes. The JJPAF requires annual reauthorization to continue receiving Stelara through the program. You will need to submit updated proof of income and a new application before your current approval period ends to avoid any gap in your medication supply.
If your income is close to but above the listed threshold, it is still worth calling the program directly at (800) 652-6227. Some individual circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are clearly over the limit, ask about biosimilar options or the Janssen CarePath savings card if you have commercial insurance.
Ready to Apply for Stelara Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF) application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month