Drug prices & Part D
Medicare and Drug Manufacturers Are Holding Negotiation Meetings This Summer on 15 High-Cost Drugs, With Final Prices Due by November
The third cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations is in its most active phase, with CMS and participating manufacturers in sessions that must conclude by November 1, 2026, to set maximum fair prices on cancer, HIV, and other specialty drugs taking effect in 2028.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamAugust 3, 2026
The third round of Medicare's drug price negotiation program is now in its active meeting phase, with CMS and drug company representatives holding face-to-face or virtual sessions ahead of a November 1, 2026, closing deadline.
Under the program's established timeline, CMS sent initial maximum fair price offers to all 15 participating manufacturers by June 1, 2026. Each manufacturer had 30 days to accept or submit a written counteroffer, and CMS had 30 days to respond. For any drug where agreement has not yet been reached after those exchanges, CMS may invite up to two additional negotiation meetings before the November deadline. CMS said in March that the makers of all 15 drugs chose to take part.
Medicare price talks on 15 drugs, including cancer and HIV treatments, must wrap up by November 1. Here is where round three of negotiations stands.
The 15 drugs in this cycle cover a wide range of conditions. They include Biktarvy for HIV, Kisqali and Verzenio for breast cancer, Erleada for prostate cancer, Cosentyx for psoriasis and related inflammatory conditions, Entyvio for inflammatory bowel disease, Orencia for rheumatoid arthritis, Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, Rexulti for major depressive disorder, Trulicity for type 2 diabetes, Xolair for severe asthma and chronic hives, Anoro Ellipta for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lenvima for several cancers, Cimzia for rheumatoid arthritis, and Botox for chronic migraine and other chronic conditions. One additional drug, Tradjenta, was selected for renegotiation.
This is also the first cycle in which drugs paid under Medicare Part B, such as infused or injected medicines administered in a clinical setting, are being negotiated alongside Part D drugs. All agreed maximum fair prices in this cycle will take effect January 1, 2028, for people with Medicare coverage. In Original Medicare, people usually pay 20 percent of the cost of Part B drugs, with no yearly limit.
In plain words
Medicare and drug companies are meeting this summer to agree on lower prices for 15 expensive medicines. The talks must finish by November 1, 2026. Lower prices would start on January 1, 2028. The 15 drugs treat conditions like HIV, breast cancer, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. CMS sent its first price offers to drug companies in June. Companies could accept or make a counteroffer. Some are still in talks now. This is also the first time that medicines given by IV or injection at a doctor's office are part of these negotiations.
Understand the basics first
Source: CMS
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