CLAIM #18644 · CVS Health Corp (CVS) · 2026Q1 earnings call · May 6, 2026 · due Dec 31, 2026
“we expect to achieve similar conversion rates and for the majority of our customers to pay $0 out of pocket for this therapy.”
David Joyner · CEO
How to check this claim
Look at: Conversion rate of eligible patients from branded STELARA to biosimilars, and share of customers paying $0 out of pocket for the therapy
It came true if: Biosimilar conversion rate >= 90% of eligible patients, and majority (>50%) of customers paying $0 out of pocket
Where: Management commentary on earnings calls or company disclosures regarding STELARA biosimilar conversion (post-July 2026 formulary exclusion)
In context
“macy counter. A clear example of this commitment is our work to ensure that every American has access to certain insulin products for $25 per month across our network of more than 60,000 pharmacies, including our own 9,000 CVS pharmacies. At the same time, we continue to introduce innovations that simplify the pharmacy experience, accelerate biosimilar adoption, and improve cost predictability. We recently announced that on July 1, 2026, we will exclude branded STELARA from our commercial template formularies to be replaced with the low-cost, effective biosimilars. We'll use the same proven playbook that allowed us to be the only ones to meaningfully move share with HUMIRA, converting over 90% of eligible patients. By delivering the same frictionless experience for providers and patients, we expect to achieve similar conversion rates and for the majority of our customers to pay $0 out of pocket for this therapy. This is not theoretical policy. It is real, repeatable savings delivered at scale. Another important priority we're focused on is reducing unnecessary friction for providers and patients, particularly in the prior authorization process. Our leadership here is clear. Aetna has the fewest medical services subject to prior authorization in the industry. Our focus on embedding technology within each of our businesses has enabled us to approve more than 95% of the eligible prior authorizations within 24 hours, with over 80% being approved in real time. We've integrated medical and pharmacy decisions, and we've introduced bundling solutions for certain conditions that replace multiple approvals with just one. And now we're leading the way forward by standardizing prior authorization submissions”
Verify independently
SEC filings for CVS ↗ · Claim quote is verbatim from the 2026Q1 earnings call.