This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD; Bincy Abraham, MD, MS; Jamie T. Brogan, APRN; and Vibeke Strand, MD.

Ryan Haumschild asks Vibeke Strand to discuss biosimilar cost savings and who is driving and benefiting from them.

Strand says patients should benefit, but it is unclear whether they do, given the health care system maze involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that determine payer coverage. Providers have little insight into PBM processes and formulary decision-making. Limitations exist even with Medicare and Medicaid. With multiple adalimumab (Humira) biosimilars at varying discounts, it is unknown how to translate that into patient cost savings at the point of prescribing. Greater transparency around cost impacts for patients is needed.

Haumschild agrees the value proposition around cost is opaque for patients. Although payers and providers in value-based contracts may benefit from lower expenses, it is difficult to demonstrate financial benefits directly reaching patients facing financial toxicity and adherence challenges. More clarity around patient costs is needed.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMCÒ editorial staff.