Medicare Price Cuts: The First 10 Drugs Getting Cheaper in 2026
For millions of Americans on Medicare, the high cost of prescription drugs is a constant concern. If you saw an ad about major drug savings starting in 2026, you’re in the right place. We have the full details on the first 10 medications selected for price negotiations, a landmark change that could significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
A Historic Change for Medicare
For the first time, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare has the power to negotiate directly with drug manufacturers to lower prices for some of the most expensive medications. This is a significant shift designed to make essential treatments more affordable for seniors.
The process began with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identifying 10 widely used drugs that have high costs for both the Medicare program and its beneficiaries. After a period of negotiation, the new, lower prices for these specific drugs will take effect on January 1, 2026. This is just the first group of drugs, with more expected to be selected for negotiation in the coming years.
The 10 Drugs Selected for Price Negotiation
Here is a detailed look at the first 10 drugs on the list. These medications treat a range of common and serious conditions, from diabetes and heart disease to cancer and autoimmune disorders.
1. Eliquis (apixaban)
Eliquis is a widely prescribed anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner. It is primarily used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat). It’s also used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Its high cost has made it a top target for negotiation.
2. Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Jardiance is a medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Beyond its benefits for diabetes, it has also been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is also prescribed to treat certain types of heart failure, making it a critical drug for many beneficiaries.
3. Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Similar to Eliquis, Xarelto is another popular blood thinner. It is used to prevent and treat blood clots, including DVT and PE. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and to prevent blood clots in people who have recently had knee or hip replacement surgery.
4. Januvia (sitagliptin)
Januvia is an oral medication that helps improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the levels of natural substances called incretins, which help the body produce more insulin when needed and reduce the amount of sugar made by the liver.
5. Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
Farxiga is another important medication for managing type 2 diabetes. Its use has expanded significantly, as it is now also approved to treat heart failure and chronic kidney disease in patients with or without diabetes. This broad range of applications makes it a vital, but costly, treatment for many seniors.
6. Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)
Entresto is a combination medication specifically designed to treat chronic heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and helping the heart pump blood more efficiently. It has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for patients with this serious condition.
7. Enbrel (etanercept)
Enbrel is a biologic drug used to treat several autoimmune conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, which all involve painful inflammation of the joints. It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. As a biologic, it is one of the more expensive drugs on the market.
8. Imbruvica (ibrutinib)
Imbruvica is a targeted therapy drug used to treat certain types of blood cancers. This includes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. It is a life-extending medication for many patients, but its high price tag creates a significant financial burden.
9. Stelara (ustekinumab)
Stelara is another biologic medication used to treat autoimmune diseases. It is approved for treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. These chronic conditions often require long-term treatment, making the cost of Stelara a major factor for patients and Medicare.
10. Fiasp and Novolog (Insulin Aspart)
This final entry covers several insulin products that all use the same drug, insulin aspart. These are fast-acting insulins used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. The specific brand names included in the negotiation are:
- Fiasp
- Fiasp FlexTouch and Fiasp PenFill
- Novolog
- Novolog FlexPen and Novolog PenFill
The high cost of insulin has been a major public concern, and including these products in the first round of negotiations is a key step toward making this life-saving medication more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these new, lower prices actually start? The negotiated prices for these 10 drugs will officially go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Will more drugs be added to this list in the future? Yes. This is just the first round. The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to select and negotiate prices for more drugs in the coming years, expanding the potential savings for beneficiaries.
How will I know how much I will save? The exact savings for each individual will depend on their specific Medicare Part D plan, their out-of-pocket costs, and the final negotiated price for the drug. As 2026 approaches, more specific details about pricing will become available.
Does this apply to me if I have a private insurance plan, not Medicare? This specific price negotiation program applies directly to Medicare Part D. However, changes in Medicare pricing can sometimes influence the broader pharmaceutical market over time.