Capital Blue Cross commercial prescription drug plans will cover Humira and Stelara biosimilars through the insurer’s partnership with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co., according to an April 23 news release.
Biosimilars resemble original biologics, undergo clinical trials and must verify effectiveness and side effects. They are generally cheaper than their biologic counterparts.
The coverage for Humira and Stelara, which target autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, begins May. Humira biosimilar adalimumab-fkjp and Stelara biosimilar Starjemza are available for $423 and $360 through Cost Plus Drugs, respectively. Humira and Stelara list prices can be in the thousands of dollars, the release said.
“Biosimilars represent a meaningful opportunity to reduce overall healthcare spending, and this initiative helps ensure those savings reach people who depend on these medications,” Gary Petruzzelli, PharmD, Capital Blue Cross vice president of pharmacy strategy and services, said.
The Harrisburg, Penn.-based insurer was the pharmacy’s first payer partner, establishing the collaboration in late 2022. Beginning in 2023, members could use their insurance cards at Cost Plus.
“We are excited to partner with them,” Mr. Cuban told Becker’s April 23. “CostPlusDrugs.com has the best available pricing on biosimilars and [we] expect to continue to expand the number of partnerships we offer.”
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