Your Guide to Medicare's 2026 Prescription Drug Discounts

If you’re on Medicare, you may have heard that big changes are coming to prescription drug costs. Thanks to new government initiatives, the prices for certain widely used medications are set to decrease starting in 2026. This guide will explain exactly what is happening, list the first drugs affected, and show you how to stay informed about potential savings.

What's Changing with Medicare Drug Prices?

The changes you’re hearing about are part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. For the first time, this law gives Medicare the power to negotiate prices directly with pharmaceutical companies for some of the most expensive prescription drugs. The goal is to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of seniors and people with disabilities who rely on these medications.

This negotiation process is a major shift in how Medicare Part D (the prescription drug benefit) and Part B (which covers some drugs administered in a clinical setting) operate. The process is gradual, with a new list of drugs selected for negotiation in the coming years. The very first negotiated prices for the initial group of selected drugs will take effect on January 1, 2026.

It is important to remember that this program targets specific high-cost, brand-name drugs that do not have generic or biosimilar competition. While not every medication will be included, this is a significant first step toward making essential prescriptions more affordable.

The First 10 Drugs Selected for Price Negotiation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the first 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D that were selected for price negotiation. If you take one of these medications, you may see lower costs beginning in 2026.

Here is the list of the first 10 drugs, along with their common uses:

Eliquis (Apixaban): Used to prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.
Jardiance (Empagliflozin): Used to treat type 2 diabetes and has also been approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular events and treat certain types of heart failure.
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban): Another common medication used to prevent and treat blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.
Januvia (Sitagliptin): A medication used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Farxiga (Dapagliflozin): Used to treat type 2 diabetes, certain types of heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan): A combination medicine used to treat certain types of heart failure.
Enbrel (Etanercept): An injectable biologic drug used to treat several autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Imbruvica (Ibrutinib): A targeted therapy used to treat certain types of blood cancers, like chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma.
Stelara (Ustekinumab): Used to treat autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Fiasp & Novolog (Insulin Aspart): A fast-acting insulin product used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This includes various forms like Fiasp, Fiasp FlexTouch, Novolog, and Novolog FlexPen.

How to Check if Your Medications Are Included

The ad you clicked promised to show you how to check if your medications are part of these new discounts. Here is a straightforward, step-by-step process you can follow.

Step 1: Review the List Above

The simplest first step is to carefully read the list in the previous section. Compare the brand names of the medications you take with the 10 drugs listed. If your prescription is on that list, it is part of the first round of Medicare price negotiations.

Step 2: Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist

Your healthcare providers are your best resource. During your next appointment or visit to the pharmacy, ask them about your medications and the Medicare drug price negotiation program. They can confirm if a drug you take is on the list and discuss what these changes might mean for your treatment plan and budget. They are always the most reliable source for personalized health information.

Step 3: Visit Official Government Websites

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to go directly to the source. You can find official announcements, future drug lists, and detailed explanations on government websites. A good place to start is the official website for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS.gov) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.gov). Searching for “Inflation Reduction Act drug list” on these sites will typically lead you to the latest press releases and fact sheets.

The Timeline for Future Drug Discounts

The initial list of 10 drugs is just the beginning. The Inflation Reduction Act has a clear timeline for expanding the program to include more medications in the coming years.

For 2027: An additional 15 drugs covered under Part D will be selected for negotiation.
For 2028: Another 15 drugs, this time from both Part D and Part B, will be selected.
For 2029 and beyond: The program will expand to include up to 20 additional drugs from both Part D and Part B each year.

This phased approach means that even if your medication is not on the first list, it could be selected for negotiation in a future year. It is a good idea to check the official announcements each year to see which new drugs have been added.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my drug is not on the current list? If your medication is not one of the first 10 selected, you will not see a price change in 2026 from this specific program. However, your drug could be selected for negotiation in 2027 or beyond. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act includes other provisions, like the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D drug costs starting in 2025, which may still help lower your expenses.

When exactly will the prices for these 10 drugs go down? The newly negotiated prices for this first group of 10 drugs will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. The negotiation process between Medicare and the drug manufacturers is currently underway to determine the final prices.

Does this program affect Medicare Advantage plans? Yes. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage (MA-PD), these changes will also apply to you. The negotiated prices will be incorporated into what your plan pays for these specific drugs.

Where can I find the most reliable, up-to-date information? The single best source for official information is the U.S. government. You can visit CMS.gov or HHS.gov to find the latest news and fact sheets about the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.