Federal Officials Select Fifteen Treatments for Drug Price Negotiations

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially named 15 high-cost medications for the 2028 price negotiation cycle, a move aimed at curbing the rising costs of healthcare for seniors and taxpayers. This selection marks the third round of negotiations under the program, following previous cycles that included popular treatments for Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The list of selected drugs for the 2028 cycle includes heavy hitters in the pharmaceutical market, such as the diabetes treatment Trulicity, the HIV-1 medication Biktarvy, and the widely used Botox. These 15 medications represent a staggering $27 billion in Medicare spending between November 2024 and October 2025. Other notable inclusions cover a range of conditions from cancer (Erleada, Kisqali) to chronic immune-system diseases (Cosentyx, Entyvio) and respiratory issues (Anoro Ellipta, Xolair).

In a significant shift, the 2028 cycle will be the first to include Medicare Part B medications. Unlike Part D drugs, which patients typically pick up at a pharmacy, Part B drugs are administered by medical professionals in clinical settings, such as hospitals or doctors' offices. To be eligible for this negotiation process, drugs must have been on the market for at least seven to 11 years and lack generic or biosimilar competition.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz emphasized that this "strong action" targets the most expensive drugs to ensure the system works for patients rather than special interests. To promote transparency, the administration also released a list of the top 50 negotiation-eligible drugs.

However, the pharmaceutical industry remains staunchly opposed. Trade group PhRMA argued that government price-setting leads to higher costs and fewer choices for seniors, while companies like Novartis warned of long-lasting consequences for patient care. Despite the ongoing legal and rhetorical battles, the negotiations are set to take place in 2026, with the resulting lower prices taking effect on January 1, 2028.

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🔖 Sources

Botox, Trulicity among 15 drugs on new Medicare negotiations list

CMS names 15 medications for 2028 price negotiation cycle

US names HIV, arthritis drugs for next Medicare price talks

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Keywords: Drug Price Negotiations

Drug Price Negotiations

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