Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative
Written by: CDHF
Updated: November 8th, 2022
What is Changing in the Saskatchewan Coverage for Biologics?
The Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative was announced on October 20, 2022, to improve the uptake of biosimilar drugs.
The Government of Saskatchewan is implementing some changes to their biologics coverage. By April 2023, patients who are already using a reference biologic with an available biosimilar version will be required to start using a biosimilar to keep their coverage under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan. This initiative follows similar efforts elsewhere in Canada namely British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Northwest Territories. Tens of thousands of Canadians have safely switched to a biosimilar in those initiatives. They are also used extensively in Europe, where countries have had over 15 years of experience with biosimilars.
- Patients will have until April 30, 2023 to talk to their healthcare provider to receive a new prescription for the biosimilar
- Patients who receive coverage for a reference biologic will receive a letter from the Saskatchewan drug Plan regarding switching to a biosimilar
To switch to a biosimilar, you should:
- Contact your health care provider
- Check the list of drugs affected to determine if you need to make the switch
- Receive a new prescription of the biosimilar version of your medication
If you receive additional medication coverage from a third-party insurance provider:
- Your insurance provider may coordinate your benefits with the Saskatchewan Drug Plan
- Contact your insurance provider with questions you may have about private coverage benefits
Are there exemptions to the switch?
In some cases, patients may need to continue using the reference biologic for medical reasons. Exemptions to the initiative will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Health care providers can submit a request along with clinical information on behalf of their patient through the exemption request form.
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative here.
