Support Finder
Living with IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or another inflammatory condition shouldn't mean choosing between medication and rent. Here's how patients in Wisconsin can access significantly cheaper — sometimes free — drug prices, plus the nonprofits and state programs ready to help you apply.
How to Get Started
Most programs take 15–30 minutes to apply. Follow these steps before paying full price at the pharmacy.
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Get your diagnosis & prescription in writing Most programs require your diagnosis code (ICD-10) and a copy of the prescription from your doctor. Ask your provider's office for a "prescription assistance letter."
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Check income eligibility first State programs like BadgerCare+ use FPL (Federal Poverty Level) thresholds. Many manufacturer PAPs and nonprofits have broader eligibility — some have no income cap at all.
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Apply to manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) If your drug is brand-name (e.g., Humira, Stelara, Skyrizi), go directly to the manufacturer's assistance portal first — these can reduce cost to $0/month.
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Stack co-pay cards with nonprofit assistance You can often combine a manufacturer co-pay card with a foundation grant. HealthWell Foundation and PAF Co-Pay Relief are the biggest for inflammatory conditions.
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Use a price-comparison tool for generics For non-biologic medications (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, prednisone), GoodRx or Cost Plus Drugs can cut prices by 80–90% with no application needed.
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Contact UW Health or Froedtert financial counseling Both Wisconsin health systems have dedicated financial navigators who can walk you through every program you qualify for — free of charge, no appointment needed.
Wisconsin State Programs
Wisconsin has several state-run programs specifically designed to lower prescription costs for residents.
BadgerCare Plus
Wisconsin's Medicaid program for adults and families. Covers most inflammatory biologics and specialty drugs with minimal co-pays. Eligibility is based on income (up to 100% FPL for adults without children).
Apply at DHS →Wisconsin SeniorCare
For Wisconsin residents age 65+ who don't qualify for Medicare Part D Extra Help. Covers prescription drugs at reduced cost; particularly useful for older patients managing rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Learn More →Wisconsin Rx / Drug Repository
The Wisconsin Drug Repository Program collects unused, unopened prescription medications from long-term care facilities and redistributes them to uninsured or underinsured patients at no cost.
Find a Site →Covering Wisconsin
Free statewide enrollment assistance for BadgerCare, marketplace plans, Medicare, and more. Navigators are bilingual and can help you figure out which program fits your situation — no cost to you.
Get Help Enrolling →Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs
Most biologic manufacturers offer free or nearly-free drug programs for uninsured or underinsured patients. Apply directly through their portals.
myAbbVie Assist
Covers Humira (adalimumab), Rinvoq, Skyrizi. For uninsured patients, the drug can be $0/month. Co-pay cards available for insured patients bringing cost down to $5/month.
Apply →Janssen CarePath (J&J)
Covers Stelara, Tremfya, Simponi, Remicade. Savings programs for eligible patients — insured patients may pay as little as $5/dose. Uninsured patients can receive medication free.
Apply →Pfizer RxPathways
Covers Xeljanz, Enbrel (via Pfizer). Co-pay assistance, insurance counseling, and free drug programs for qualifying patients who meet income guidelines.
Apply →UCB Cares
Covers Cimzia (certolizumab). UCB's patient assistance program offers free medication for uninsured patients and co-pay cards that bring monthly costs down to $10 or less for insured patients.
Apply →Amgen Safety Net Foundation
Covers Enbrel, Otezla, and other Amgen biologics. Free product for patients below income guidelines. Also has co-pay assistance for those with insurance facing high out-of-pocket costs.
Apply →Eli Lilly Cares Foundation
Covers Taltz, Olumiant. Provides free medication to uninsured patients who meet income requirements. Insured patients may access co-pay cards to lower costs.
Apply →Nonprofits & Foundations for Inflammatory Conditions
These organizations provide co-pay grants, disease-specific funding, and navigation services — many available to Wisconsin residents right now.
HealthWell Foundation
One of the largest co-pay assistance foundations in the US. Has active funds for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis. Grants of $3,000–$15,000/year.
Check Eligibility →Patient Advocate Foundation — Co-Pay Relief
PAF's CPR program provides direct co-pay assistance for patients with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Disease-specific funds often open and close; check their portal regularly for inflammatory condition openings.
Apply at CPR →Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Beyond advocacy, CCF offers direct financial assistance for IBD patients in financial need, plus a care line (1-888-694-8872) staffed by nurses who help patients navigate insurance denials and assistance programs.
Get Help →Arthritis Foundation — Wisconsin Chapter
Provides drug assistance resources, a helpline, and connections to local Wisconsin-based support. Focused on RA, PsA, AS, and related conditions. Their drug assistance search tool is free and updated monthly.
Drug Assistance Tool →Lupus Foundation of America
Financial assistance resources, insurance navigation, and the LupusConnect peer support network. Their Wisconsin/Upper Midwest Chapter can connect you with local navigators who understand region-specific programs.
Find Resources →NORD — National Organization for Rare Disorders
For patients with rarer inflammatory conditions (e.g., myositis, vasculitis, MCTD), NORD's Patient Assistance Program provides medication grants when no other program exists. No income cap for some disease funds.
Apply at NORD →Price Comparison Tools (No Application Required)
For non-biologic or generic medications, these tools can instantly slash costs — no paperwork, no waiting period.
GoodRx
Show a GoodRx coupon at any La Crosse-area pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Hy-Vee) for generics like methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, prednisone. Prices often drop 60–90%.
Search Prices →Cost Plus Drugs (Mark Cuban)
Generic drugs at cost + 15% markup. Mail-order to Wisconsin. Especially useful for methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, and mesalamine — often under $5/month.
Search Drugs →NeedyMeds
Comprehensive database of PAPs, co-pay assistance, and disease-specific funds. Also includes a free drug discount card that works at Wisconsin pharmacies. Great starting point if you don't know where to begin.
Search Database →RxAssist
Database of manufacturer PAPs organized by drug name. Enter your medication to find the exact manufacturer program and download the application directly. Maintained by Volunteers in Health Care.
Find Programs →Not medical or legal advice
Program availability, eligibility, and funding levels change frequently. Always verify current status directly with each program before making treatment decisions. For personalized help in the La Crosse area, contact UW Health Financial Counseling at (608) 785-6000 or Covering Wisconsin at (608) 261-1455 — both offer free navigation support.