WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials announced that manufacturers of 15 high-cost prescription drugs have agreed to participate in the next round of Medicare drug price negotiations, a program designed to lower costs for certain medications covered by the federal health insurance program.
What This Means for You
- The federal government will negotiate prices for 15 high-cost prescription drugs.
- Negotiated prices are expected to take effect in 2028 for Medicare patients.
- Drug manufacturers have agreed to participate in the third cycle of negotiations.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said drug companies that manufacture the medications selected for the third cycle of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program have signed agreements to participate in the process.
The program allows the federal government to negotiate prices for certain high-expenditure drugs that currently have no generic or biosimilar competitors.
How the Negotiation Program Works
Under the program, CMS negotiates prices directly with drug manufacturers for medications covered under Medicare Part B, which includes drugs administered in clinical settings, and Medicare Part D, which covers retail prescription drugs.
Officials say the goal is to reduce the cost of widely used medications while maintaining access to treatments.
For the current negotiation cycle, CMS selected 15 drugs and one additional medication for renegotiation.
The manufacturers of those drugs agreed to participate before a statutory deadline on February 28, 2026.
Drugs Included in the Third Negotiation Cycle
The medications selected for negotiation treat a range of medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders.
Drugs included in the negotiation cycle include:
- Anoro Ellipta
- Biktarvy
- Botox and Botox Cosmetic
- Cimzia
- Cosentyx
- Entyvio
- Erleada
- Kisqali
- Lenvima
- Orencia
- Rexulti
- Tradjenta
- Trulicity
- Verzenio
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR
- Xolair
Timeline for Negotiated Prices
CMS said the third cycle of negotiations will occur during 2026.
The agency plans to send an initial price offer to manufacturers by June 1, 2026. Drug companies will then have 30 days to accept the offer or propose a counteroffer.
Negotiation meetings may continue through summer and fall if agreements are not immediately reached.
The negotiation period is scheduled to conclude by November 1, 2026, with final negotiated prices scheduled to take effect in 2028.
Opportunities for Public Input
Federal officials said the process will include opportunities for input from patients, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals.
CMS plans to host patient-focused roundtable discussions and town hall meetings to gather feedback on how the selected medications affect patients and what alternatives may be available.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.