Increasing formulary adoption of adalimumab biosimilars and differential cost-sharing in Medicare Part D plans

Journal of Dermatological Treatment · Published 2026-08-04 · DOI 10.1080/09546634.2026.2709925

Free full text

Authors (2)

Alina S. Feng, Wilson Liao

Abstract

Objectives Adalimumab was among the first biologics to face widespread biosimilar competition following US market entry of multiple adalimumab biosimilars in 2023. However, Medicare Part D formulary adoption of these products and their associated specialty-tier cost-sharing requirements remain unknown.Methods To evaluate adalimumab biosimilar adoption and associated cost-sharing patterns across Medicare Part D formularies, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Part D Formulary and Plan Benefit Package files were analyzed. Plans were categorized as covering originator adalimumab-only, both originator and biosimilar products (dual coverage), or biosimilars-only.Results In 2023, all Medicare Part D plans covering adalimumab listed only the originator product. By 2024, 52.5% of plans provided dual coverage, increasing to 79.9% in 2025. Biosimilar-exclusive coverage increased from 8.6% of plans in 2025 to 45.9% in 2026, while originator-only coverage declined to 0.8%. Median specialty-tier coinsurance differed according to coverage strategy. In 2026, median specialty-tier coinsurance was 33% among originator-only plans, 27% among dual-coverage plans, and 25% among biosimilar-only plans.Conclusions Medicare Part D formularies rapidly included adalimumab biosimilars following market entry, with substantial growth in biosimilar-exclusive coverage by 2026. Specialty tier coinsurance varied by medication coverage type, suggesting that evolving formulary strategies may influence beneficiary cost-sharing requirements.

Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).

Read the article at the publisher →

Publication details

Year
2026

Citation

Feng, A., Liao, W. (2026). Increasing formulary adoption of adalimumab biosimilars and differential cost-sharing in Medicare Part D plans. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2026.2709925

Related articles