Arava is a brand-name prescription medication for the generic version of leflunomide. Medicare Part D drug plans may cover either version if a doctor or healthcare professional prescribes it.

Private insurance companies administer Part D prescription drug plans on Medicare’s behalf, so drug costs and drug availability can vary by plan type and plan provider.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a doctor or healthcare professional may prescribe Arava (leflunomide), and when medically necessary, Medicare may cover some or all of the costs.

Part D drug plans have three coverage stages, including the:

  • deductible stage
  • initial coverage stage
  • catastrophic coverage stage

The deductible stage

Not all Part D prescription drug plans have a deductible, but if yours does, you will join at this stage.

Once you have paid the plan deductible in full, the plan will begin paying its share of eligible costs.

Initial coverage stage

During this stage, you’ll pay a 25% coinsurance toward the cost of Arava (leflunomide). This applies to both the brand name and generic versions of this and other medications.

In 2025, you will continue paying the 25% coinsurance until you’ve paid a total of $2,000. In 2026, this is expected to increase to $2,100.

Catastrophic coverage stage

During this stage, you will pay no further costs toward your prescription medications for the remaining calendar year.

You will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) the month after your pharmacy bills your plan provider. The EOB will detail the following:

  • The prescriptions you’ve filled.
  • The total amount the plan has paid.
  • The total amount you’ve paid.
  • The amount others have paid, such as another insurer (if applicable).
  • Which coverage stage are you at?
  • What the plan has counted toward your total out-of-pocket expenses.
  • The total amount the pharmacy has charged for your medications.

Arava is the brand-name version of the generic drug leflunomide. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication for the treatment of RA in adults. It has not approved the medication for use in children.

Arava (leflunomide) is in a group of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). There can be biologic and nonbiologic versions of DMARDs, and Arava (leflunomide) is nonbiological.

DMARDs work to suppress an overactive immune system. When you take Arava, the body metabolizes its active ingredient, leflunomide, into teriflunomide. This means your body breaks down the ingredient so it produces the medication’s intended effect.

Avara (leflunomide) can help decrease the inflammation that RA can cause. It may also:

  • provide relief from other RA symptoms
  • prevent new damage to joints
  • prevent worsening damage to joints