Introduction: Medicare’s Major Drug Price Reductions for 2026
Exciting news for Medicare beneficiaries! The Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have unveiled significant reductions in the costs of essential prescription drugs. Starting in 2026, ten widely used medications for conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis will be available at substantially lower prices. Here’s everything you need to know about these upcoming savings.
What Are the New Drug Prices for Medicare?
Thanks to recent negotiations between CMS and drug manufacturers, Medicare beneficiaries will see notable price cuts on several high-demand drugs. These reductions come as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of August 2022, aimed at making healthcare more affordable.
Here’s a breakdown of the new prices and discounts:
-
Eliquis
- Condition: Prevention and treatment of blood clots
- New Price: $231 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 56%
-
Enbrel
- Condition: Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis
- New Price: $2,355 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 67%
-
Entresto
- Condition: Heart failure
- New Price: $295 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 53%
-
Farxiga
- Condition: Diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease
- New Price: $178.50 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 68%
-
Fiasp (Including Fiasp FlexTouch; Fiasp PenFill; NovoLog; NovoLog FlexPen; NovoLog PenFill)
- Condition: Diabetes
- New Price: $119 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 76%
-
Imbruvica
- Condition: Blood cancers
- New Price: $9,319 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 38%
-
Januvia
- Condition: Diabetes
- New Price: $113
- Discount: 79%
-
Jardiance
- Condition: Diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease
- New Price: $197 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 66%
-
Stelara
- Condition: Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- New Price: $4,695 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 66%
-
Xarelto
- Condition: Blood clots, coronary or peripheral artery disease
- New Price: $197 for a 30-day supply
- Discount: 62%
Who Will Benefit from These Drug Price Reductions?
The price reductions will be available to Medicare beneficiaries, including those with Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. If you’re enrolled in these plans, you’ll be able to access these medications at the reduced prices starting in 2026.
Why Are Drug Prices Lowering?
The significant price cuts are a direct result of the Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation aimed to curb rising healthcare costs by:
- Allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices: For the first time, Medicare can negotiate directly with drug manufacturers on certain high-cost drugs.
- Expanding existing savings: The Inflation Reduction Act has already provided free vaccines and capped insulin costs at $35 a month.
Additional Savings and Programs
Starting in 2025, Medicare will also introduce a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs for Part D enrollees. This cap aims to provide further financial relief to those managing high medication costs.
What’s Next for Drug Pricing Negotiations?
CMS has ambitious plans for future drug pricing negotiations:
- 2027: Up to 15 additional Part D drugs will be negotiated.
- 2028: Another 15 drugs will be added to the negotiation list.
- Beyond 2028: Up to 20 more Part B or Part D drugs will be negotiated annually.
Conclusion: How to Prepare for Lower Drug Costs
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, these upcoming changes could mean substantial savings on your prescription medications. Keep an eye on CMS updates and be ready to take advantage of these reduced prices starting in 2026. For those managing chronic conditions or expensive treatments, this news is a welcome relief.
To stay informed about future drug price negotiations and Medicare updates, regularly check CMS announcements and related news sources.
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