Prescription drugs make up nearly 30% of total cost of care—and that number keeps climbing. But there’s some genuinely encouraging news: biosimilars. In 2024 alone, they saved customers more than $20 billion nationwide. That’s not small change. And it’s a clear sign that biosimilars are one of the most promising tools we have to keep healthcare affordable.
What exactly are biosimilars?
Think of biologics as complex medications made from living cells. They’re powerful, effective, and often expensive. Biosimilars are FDA-approved versions of those biologics that are highly similar in how they work, how safe they are, and how well they perform.
In other words: same results, lower cost.
Why biosimilars matter now
Biosimilars treat some of the most complex medical conditions—autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and bone diseases. As more biosimilars enter the market, they create competition, opening the door to meaningful cost reductions.
As Jennifer Wilson Norton, manager of pharmacy, Clinical Programs, puts it:
“The availability of biosimilars is increasing, and they give us a way to continue to afford healthcare.”
Here’s what they bring to the table:
- Effective treatment at a fraction of the cost
- Lower health benefit costs for employers
- More affordable options for providers and patients
- Market competition that helps bring prescription drug prices down
What we’re seeing at Premera
Premera began covering biosimilars for Humira® in 2023—an important treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, digestive tract disorders, and other autoimmune conditions.
The shift has been significant:
- Biosimilar use increased from 5% in June 2024 to more than 77% in 2025
- Our goal for 2025 was 90%, and we’re now at 97.4%
- Between 2023 and 2024 alone, we saved more than $30 million
We also launched biosimilars for Stelara® this July:
- We’ve already moved from 2.9% usage at launch to 32.6% today. Our goal is 80% usage.
And we’re not stopping there. Biosimilars for Prolia®, a major osteoporosis treatment, will be introduced next.
How we’re approaching biosimilars
Our job is to make sure members get the right treatment at the lowest net cost—not just now, but long-term.
Here’s how our pharmacy teams do that:
- Carefully assess the clinical evidence for each biosimilar
- Offer multiple biosimilar options to protect members from supply chain disruptions
- Update medical policies and formularies as new products are approved
- Work closely with specialty pharmacies to ensure seamless transitions
- Communicate with providers, employers, and members about upcoming changes
As Julie Nelsen, pharmacy manager, Clinical Operations, explains:
“We see what’s out there and what will be the best choices to make sure this is long-term. We want people to be able to switch and stay with their biosimilar.”
Why specialty pharmacies matter here
Unlike retail pharmacies—where pharmacists are experts in many medications—specialty pharmacies focus deeply on complex conditions and high-touch treatments like biosimilars.
Senior clinical pharmacist Sherine Bolos notes:
“Specialty pharmacists are trained in a member’s specific medication or disease state. They provide additional education and sometimes clinical follow up.”
That level of support ensures members feel confident and supported when transitioning to a biosimilar.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in exploring biosimilars, here are a few places to start:
- Read about the health conditions biosimilars can treat. View the FDA’s biosimilars page here.
- Check out the 2025 U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Report
- If you have a chronic or complex condition, ask your provider or pharmacist whether biosimilars might be right for you
Biosimilars are more than just an alternative, they’re opening up a new path to more sustainable, more affordable healthcare. And we’re just getting started.
