3. Negotiated Prices for 15 High-Cost Drugs Take Effect

Round two of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program officially takes effect on January 1, 2027. Under this federal initiative, Medicare negotiated Maximum Fair Prices for 15 high-spend medications covered under Part D.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services projects $12 billion in annual program savings. Beneficiaries will save an estimated $685 million in direct out-of-pocket costs.

Popular GLP-1 medications see dramatic price drops under this round. A 30-day supply of Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy falls from a $959 benchmark down to $274, representing a 71% discount.

Other vital treatments will also see lower negotiated prices, including Trelegy Ellipta dropping to $175 from $654, alongside Janumet and Linzess. These discounts directly reduce coinsurance costs for enrollees taking brand-name maintenance prescriptions.