Changes to Biosimilars in Premera Drug Formularies

Premera Blue Cross is continuously working to find ways to reduce costs for members and employers. Biosimilars are positioned to reduce costs without risking quality of care. Premera is pleased to announce several changes to our formularies.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Premera will include the following ustekinumab biosimilars, in addition to Stelara, on alldrug formularies:

• Steqeyma (ustekinumab-stba)
• Yesintek (ustekinumab-kfce)

Beginning October 1, 2025:

• Open: Preferred products will include Stelara, Steqeyma, and Yesintek. Stelara will no longer be preferred for patients new to therapy (Steqeyma and Yesintek must be tried first).
• Incentive: Preferred products will include Stelara, Steqeyma, and Yesintek. Stelara will no longer be preferred for patients new to therapy (Steqeyma and Yesintek must be tried first).
• Essentials: Stelara will be excluded for all patients. Patients will need to transition to a preferred ustekinumab biosimilar.
• Metallic: Stelara will be non-formulary to all patients will need to transition to a preferred ustekinumab biosimilar.

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat a variety of autoimmune conditions including moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Both products are interchangeable and have the same indications as Stelara. These biosimilars are available at Accredo and Walgreens Specialty.