MiBlueDaily
Feb. 17, 2026
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s partnership with Evio Pharmacy Solutions saved members and employer group customers more than 90 percent off the list price of high-cost specialty drugs in 2025 through the use of biosimilars. While biologics make up five percent of prescriptions in the U.S., they account for 51 percent of total drug spending. The use of biosimilars saved Blue Cross members and employee groups $67 million in 2024 and $80 million in 2025.
“Affordability, care and member choice are critical priorities for Blue Cross when it comes to maximizing the value of our pharmacy offerings for members,” said Atheer Kaddis, vice president of Pharmacy Services and chief pharmacy officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Specialty drugs are a significant driver behind the increasing cost of health care and biologic medicines represent some of the most expensive prescriptions overall. With biosimilar alternatives, Blue Cross is able to champion high-quality care and affordability, while still providing members with the breadth of options they’ve come to expect from their Blue Cross coverage.”
Last year, Blue Cross began transitioning members from high-cost specialty drugs like Humira® and Stelara® to biosimilar alternatives such as Simlandi® and Yesintek®. The transition of these medications resulted in savings of more than 90 percent off the brand-name list price per drug. Now, 99 percent of Blue Cross members taking Humira and Stelara are instead taking the approved biosimilars, benefitting from continued results from their medication and significantly lower costs with their Blue Cross and Blue Care Network coverage.