Biosimilar Preferred Drug List (PDL) 2026 Update

Effective January 1, 2026, the Department will add preferred and non-preferred drugs to the Biosimilar PDL.

Preferred drugs added:

  • Q 9996 Ustekinumab-ttwe SubQ
  • Q 99976 Ustekinumab-ttwe I.V.
  • Q5140 - adalimumab-fkjp
  • Q5142 -SIMLANDI, adalimumad ryvk

Change from preferred to non-preferred drug:

  • J3358 – STELARA

The Biosimilar PDL, implemented in 2022, establishes preferred and non-preferred Physician-Administered Drugs (PADs). Preferred drugs are available without a Prior Authorization (PA). Providers must try preferred drugs first.  

Non-preferred drugs require a PA which are available on the Health PAS Online Portal. For the Department to consider approving a non-preferred drug, the provider must include with their PA request documentation of preferred drug failure due to lack of efficacy, intolerable side effects to the preferred drug, or clinical exceptions. Clinical exceptions include the presence of a condition that prevents usage of the preferred drug or a significant drug interaction between another drug and the preferred drug.  

For questions, please contact Shannon Beggs, Provider Relations Specialist.