Effective January 1, 2027, updates to biosimilar preferences and step therapy requirements will apply to Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Commercial and Medicare Advantage members.

Providers should review these changes to ensure appropriate medication selection and to minimize disruption in member care. Medical policies for IBX Commercial members are available on the IBX Medical Policies website. Current step therapy requirements and the Part B drugs subject to Step Therapy are available on the Medicare Part B Drugs Subject to Step Therapy Drug List.

What providers need to do

Beginning January 1, 2027, providers should review the preferred products listed below when clinically appropriate. For questions about coverage requirements, refer to the applicable medical policy or step therapy guidance.

Bevacizumab biosimilar changes

In 2027, IBX is expanding preferred product access to all three biosimilars for bevacizumab. In addition, these preferred products will not require precertification and can be used interchangeably:

• Mvasi®
• Vegzelma®  New
• Zirabev™
  

Trastuzumab biosimilar changes

The following trastuzumab biosimilar will no longer be considered a preferred product. Beginning January 1, 2027, Kanjinti® will require precertification.

The 2027 preferred trastuzumab biosimilars that will not require precertification approval include:

• Ontruzant™
• Ogivri™
• Trazimera™ New

Denosumab biosimilar changes

Beginning January 1, 2027, Jubbonti™ (denosumab biosimilar), used in place of Prolia®, will no longer be a preferred product and will require precertification.

The 2027 preferred denosomab biosimilars for Prolia that will not require precertification approval include:

• Bildyos®
• Enoby™
• Osenvelt™
  

Beginning January 1, 2027, Wyost™ (denosumab biosimilar), used in place of Xgeva®, will no longer be a preferred product and will require precertification.

The 2027 preferred denosomab biosimilars for Prolia that will not require precertification approval include:

• Bilprevda®
• Stoboclo™
• Xtrenbo™

Ranibizumab biosimilar changes

Beginning January 1, 2027, Byooviz® will no longer be a preferred ranibizumab product. All preferred ranibizumab products will remain subject to precertification in 2027:

• Cimerli®
• Lucentis®
• Nufymco®

Myasthenia gravis therapy updates

IBX is expanding options in the myasthenia gravis class to include additional options. These products will require precertification in 2027:

• Imaavy™
• Rystiggo®
• Ultomiris®
• Uplizna®
• Vyvgart®
• Vyvgart Hytrulo®