Is Your Medication on the 2027 List as Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Expand

For the first time, Medicare has negotiated prices on some of the most expensive prescription drugs, starting January 1, 2026. This historic move targets 10 high-cost medications, including well-known names like Eliquis, Jardiance, and Januvia. The result is a projected reduction of more than 50% in out-of-pocket costs for these drugs. Now, Medicare is expanding this effort with a new list of 15 additional drugs set for price negotiations in 2027. If you rely on Medicare for your prescriptions, understanding these changes could save you significant money.

Medicare drug price negotiation impact on prescriptions

What the 2026 Negotiations Mean for Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare’s new drug price negotiation program is designed to lower costs for beneficiaries by directly negotiating prices with drug manufacturers. Before this, Medicare was not allowed to negotiate drug prices, which often left seniors paying high amounts for essential medications.

The 2026 list includes 10 drugs that are widely prescribed and costly. For example, Eliquis, a blood thinner used to prevent strokes, is one of the drugs with negotiated prices. Beneficiaries taking Eliquis can expect their copays and coinsurance to drop significantly starting in 2026.

This change means:

• Lower monthly costs for many prescriptions

• Better access to essential medications without financial strain

• More predictable spending on healthcare

  
  

These benefits are especially important for people managing chronic conditions who depend on medications like Eliquis or Januvia.

The New 2027 List Expands Savings Opportunities

In January 2026, Medicare announced 15 additional drugs for price negotiation in 2027. This expansion will bring relief to more beneficiaries who take expensive medications. While the full list covers various drug types, some key points include:

• The list targets drugs with high prices and high usage among Medicare beneficiaries.

• Negotiated prices will take effect starting January 1, 2027.

• Savings could be as significant as those seen in 2026, with some drugs expected to see price cuts of 40% or more.

  
  

If your medication is on this new list, you could see a noticeable drop in your prescription costs next year.

Pharmacy shelf with prescription drugs affected by Medicare price negotiations

How to Check If Your Medication Is on the List

Medicare beneficiaries should stay informed about which drugs are included in the negotiation program. Here’s how to check:

• Visit the official Medicare website, which regularly updates the list of negotiated drugs.

• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any changes to your prescriptions.

• Review your Medicare plan’s drug formulary to see if negotiated prices apply to your medications.

  
  

Knowing if your medication is on the list helps you plan your healthcare budget and discuss alternatives with your doctor if needed.

What This Means for Your Healthcare Budget

Prescription drug costs can be a major part of healthcare expenses for Medicare beneficiaries. With the new price negotiations, many will find relief in their monthly spending. For example:

• A beneficiary taking Eliquis might save hundreds of dollars annually.

• Those on multiple medications included in the negotiation program could see total savings in the thousands.

• Reduced drug costs may also lower the risk of skipping doses due to price concerns, improving health outcomes.

  
  

These savings can free up funds for other healthcare needs or daily living expenses.

Medicare card and prescription bottles representing drug cost savings

What to Do Next

If you take prescription drugs covered by Medicare, especially those on the 2026 or 2027 negotiation lists, consider these steps:

• Confirm if your medications are included in the negotiation program.

• Review your Medicare plan options during enrollment periods to maximize savings.

• Discuss with your healthcare provider if switching to a negotiated drug or generic alternative is possible.

• Keep track of your out-of-pocket costs and report any discrepancies to Medicare or your plan provider.

  
  

Staying proactive can help you benefit fully from these new price reductions.