How to Save Money on Stelara in 2026: Coupons, Discounts, and Patient Assistance

Stelara (ustekinumab) is one of the most expensive medications in the world. Without insurance, a single 45 mg prefilled syringe can cost over $21,000 — and higher doses or IV infusions for IBD cost even more. But the good news is that most patients do not pay anywhere near that amount, thanks to insurance coverage, manufacturer savings programs, and — since 2025 — significantly lower-cost biosimilar versions.

Here is a complete guide to every savings strategy available for Stelara and ustekinumab biosimilars in 2026.

How Much Does Stelara Cost in 2026?

Brand Stelara retail (without insurance): $17,000–$21,000+ per dose depending on formulation

With GoodRx/discount coupon: As low as $7,267 per dose for some formulations

With commercial insurance + Janssen copay card: As little as $5 per dose

Ustekinumab biosimilars (Yesintek, lowest priced): Wholesale acquisition cost ~$3,000; effectively $0 copay for commercially insured patients with manufacturer savings card

Medicare Part D (2026 IRA negotiated price): Stelara qualifies for a 66% reduction from its 2023 list price under the Inflation Reduction Act Medicare price negotiation program for 2026

Option 1: Janssen CarePath (StelarawithMe) — Commercial Insurance Copay Card

If you have commercial (private) insurance and Stelara is covered, Janssen CarePath can reduce your out-of-pocket cost to as little as $5 per dose. There is no income requirement for this program. Enroll online at MyJanssenCarePath.com or by calling 877-CarePath (877-227-3728), Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM ET.

Important: This program is NOT available for patients with Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other government-funded insurance programs.

Option 2: Janssen Link (Bridge Program for Coverage Delays)

If your insurance coverage is delayed more than 5 business days (e.g., while awaiting prior authorization), the Janssen Link program can provide Stelara at no cost to bridge you until coverage is confirmed. Contact Janssen CarePath at 877-227-3728 to request access. This program is also restricted to commercially insured patients.

Option 3: Janssen Patient Assistance Program (No Insurance)

If you are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford Stelara, the Janssen Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide the medication at no cost. Eligibility requirements apply, including residency in the US and income limitations. Contact Janssen CarePath for details or visit JanssenCarePath.com.

Option 4: Switch to a Ustekinumab Biosimilar

This is the most impactful cost-saving option available in 2026. Eight FDA-approved ustekinumab biosimilars have launched with prices 80-95% below brand Stelara. All are clinically equivalent. If your insurance plan now prefers a biosimilar, you'll likely pay less — and all major biosimilars also offer their own $0 copay savings programs for commercially insured patients:

Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub): $0 copay card from Amgen

Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn): $0 copay card from Teva; some patients may qualify for free medication

Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe): $0 copay card from Sandoz

Yesintek (ustekinumab-kfce): $0 copay card from Biocon Biologics

Otulfi, Imuldosa, Steqeyma, Starjemza: $0 copay cards from their respective manufacturers

Option 5: Medicare and IRA Negotiated Pricing

Stelara was one of the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act. For 2026, the Maximum Fair Price (MFP) represents a 66% reduction from Stelara's 2023 list price under Medicare Part D. However, most Medicare Part D plans have shifted to preferring ustekinumab biosimilars, which are priced even lower. Check your specific plan's 2026 formulary.

Option 6: GoodRx and Prescription Discount Programs

GoodRx and SingleCare offer coupons that can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Stelara at specialty pharmacies, though prices still run into the thousands of dollars per dose for the brand product. GoodRx shows Stelara available for as low as $7,267 per dose vs. the $11,560 retail average. SingleCare reports prices as low as $3,565 per dose at participating pharmacies.

For most patients, a manufacturer copay card will provide far greater savings than a discount coupon if you have commercial insurance. Discount programs are most useful for uninsured patients or short-term coverage gaps.

Option 7: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

If you have an FSA or HSA, you can use pretax dollars to pay for Stelara or ustekinumab biosimilars, effectively reducing the real cost by your marginal tax rate (typically 20-35%). This can be combined with a manufacturer copay card for additional savings.

Summary: Best Savings Approach by Situation

Commercially insured: Use your plan's preferred biosimilar + that biosimilar's $0 copay card

On brand Stelara with commercial insurance: Enroll in Janssen CarePath (StelarawithMe) for up to $5/dose copay

Medicare Part D: Check 2026 formulary for preferred ustekinumab biosimilar; some plans offer low copays

No insurance: Apply for Janssen Patient Assistance Program (brand Stelara) or biosimilar PAPs

Once you've identified your savings program, see our guide to How to Find Stelara in Stock Near You to locate a pharmacy that carries your covered product.