CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Policy Criteria Change
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield·AR · Rheumatology, Oncology, Internal Medicine +1 more·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Arkansas Blue Cross updated their preferred drug list for tocilizumab (Actemra) and biosimilars, adding tocilizumab-anoh (Avtozma) to the preferred product list. This change affects drug coverage preferences but does not alter the underlying medical policy criteria.
Action Required
Before January 1, 2026: Billing and clinical teams should update drug preference lists in EMR and billing systems to reflect tocilizumab-anoh (Avtozma) as a preferred alternative to tocilizumab (Actemra). Review current patients on tocilizumab therapy to consider switching to preferred biosimilar for better coverage and reduced patient costs.