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Bill

SB 140

TO MANDATE THE USE OF BIOSIMILAR MEDICINES UNDER HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS; TO REQUIRE A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO PRESCRIBE BIOSIMILAR MEDICINES; AND TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO BIOSIMILAR MEDICINES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas bill mandating health plans cover biosimilars and requiring providers to prescribe them to improve access to lower-cost biologic alternatives.

Sine Die adjournment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 140

Legislative bill overview

SB 140 would require health benefit plans to cover biosimilar medicines and mandate that healthcare providers prescribe biosimilar drugs when clinically appropriate. The bill aims to increase patient access to biosimilar medications, which are lower-cost alternatives to brand-name biologic drugs.

Why is this important

Biosimilars can cost 15-35% less than originator biologics, potentially reducing healthcare expenses for patients and insurers. Increased biosimilar adoption could lower overall drug costs, improve medication affordability, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients with chronic conditions requiring biologic therapies.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider autonomy vs. mandate: Requiring prescribers to use biosimilars may conflict with physicians' clinical judgment and patient preferences, particularly if individual patient factors suggest the originator biologic is medically necessary
  • Insurance coverage requirements: Mandating health plans cover biosimilars could increase regulatory burden on insurers and may face resistance from plans concerned about formulary flexibility and cost management strategies
  • Patient concerns about switching: Some patients or providers may harbor concerns about switching from established biologics to newer biosimilars, despite evidence of safety and efficacy equivalence

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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