OBJECTIVES Ulcerative colitis is one of 56 designated diseases for the Specified Disease Treatment Research Program that provides co-payment reduction or exemption according to disease severity and patients’ income levels. Under the fee-for-service payment system, such financial assistance program may influence drug utilisation. The objective of this study is to assess the overall drug prescribing pattern for ulcerative colitis.  METHODS Claims data with indication for ulcerative colitis were extracted from the Social Health Insurance claims data processed from December 2009 to February 2010 and from February to April 2011. Extracted data were analysed and compared in terms of patients’ age, types of public subsidy, prescribed places (clinic/hospital or pharmacy) and pharmacologic classes. RESULTS Total numbers of patients were 67,480 for the former duration and 84,450 for the latter duration. Among them, patients who were entitled to the Specified Disease Treatment Research Programme were 47,103 and 60,231 respectively. The most commonly used drug was mesalazine which accounted for 56% and 59%. Infliximab was prescribed mainly for those entitled to the Specified Disease Treatment Research Program. Of total infliximab dose, 23 % and 30% were with steroid and 33% and 38% were with mesalazine. Generic utilisation rate for patients entitled to the Specified Disease Treatment Research Programme or other financial assistance programs was low. CONCLUSIONS The highest utilization of infliximab and low generic utilization were observed for patients entitled to the Specified Disease Treatment Research Programme. Prescribing pattern of drugs suggested that some cases did not follow clinical guidelines. Adherence to clinical guideline recommendations should be promoted.