Manitoba implements a biosimilar switching policy

On August 1, 2024, the province of Manitoba implemented the Manitoba Biosimilars Initiative to increase the use of biosimilar drugs. This policy will transition provincial drug plan coverage of originator biologic medications to biosimilar versions, where applicable.

As of January 31, 2025, the province will delist certain reference originator biologic drugs from its eligible drug list. Plan members need to discuss any questions about biosimilars and what’s right for them with their health care provider.

Plan Sponsors who participate in the Provincial Biosimilar Program

We’re adding Manitoba to the list of provinces under our existing Provincial Biosimilar Program. After the end of the transition period, Sun Life will no longer cover the cost of an originator biologic if it’s part of the program.

Plan Sponsors who are not part of the Provincial Biosimilar Program

Plan members will no longer receive repayment from the Manitoba Pharmacare program. This may affect out-of-pocket costs if their plan has a co-pay for drug expenses.

Actions for Plan Members

Sun Life will send a letter to all affected plan members in the province of Manitoba. It will explain what this change means to them.  Plan members have the choice to keep taking their current biologic drug or switch to a biosimilar drug. Exceptions apply for plan members and their eligible dependents who can’t use a biosimilar because of a medical reason to continue receiving drug plan coverage, plan members will need to:

• Request a new prescription for the biosimilar version of their medication from their health care provider. Plan members should switch to a biosimilar drug if one is available and medically appropriate.
• Start any new prescriptions with the biosimilar counterpart if medically appropriate.

Our approach to biosimilars remains the same

Biosimilars are drugs that are very similar to their originator biologic counterpart. They offer a valuable treatment option to plan members for many different medical conditions.

Communications plan 

We’ll send Focus Updates to:

• Plan Sponsors who are part of the Provincial Biosimilar Program on December 5, 2024
• Plan Sponsors who are not part of the Provincial Biosimilar Program on December 5, 2024

We’ll send a letter to plan members in Manitoba in January 2025.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.