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Medicare Drug Price Negotiations to Impact 15 Additional Medications in 2027, Including Ozempic and Rybelsus

Medicare Drug Price Negotiations to Impact 15 Additional Medications in 2027, Including Ozempic and Rybelsus

Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, is set to expand in 2027 with negotiated prices for an additional 15 drugs taking effect on January 1. This list includes popular medications such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. These negotiated prices represent the maximum amount Medicare drug plans can be charged for these selected drugs. This initiative aims to reduce drug costs for beneficiaries, building on the program that saw prices for the first 10 negotiated drugs implemented in 2026. The federal government has also adjusted the 2027 Part D out-of-pocket threshold to $2,400, an increase from $2,100 in 2026, and the deductible for the standard Part D benefit will rise from $615 to $700. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to manage prescription drug costs within the Medicare system.

How Mark Cuban's drug prices compare to corporate-owned pharmacies

How Mark Cuban's drug prices compare to corporate-owned pharmacies

Employers increasingly are scrutinizing pharmacy benefit managers and overall spending on drugs. A study finds Mark Cuban's pharmacy might be a fix.

HRSA Approves Initial 340B Rebate Pilot Plans from Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

HRSA Approves Initial 340B Rebate Pilot Plans from Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has approved rebate model plans from 10 pharmaceutical manufacturers for the 340B Drug Pricing Program. These approvals, announced on October 1, cover 18 out of 20 products potentially eligible for rebate models in 2027. Eligibility for these rebates is contingent on Medicare payment for the products being negotiated through the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program in 2027. Notably, AstraZeneca declined to submit a plan for its cancer drug Calquence, and Novo Nordisk did not submit plans for Ozempic and its related products before the September deadline. Additionally, four other products are no longer eligible for negotiation due to statutory provisions concerning market competition and the availability of generic or biosimilar equivalents. Pharmaceutical manufacturer Bausch exited the 340B program in 2025, rendering its products ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare reimbursement. HRSA has also updated its rebate model webpage with FAQs and details ...

Pharma lobby sues Trump administration over Medicare drug price cuts

Pharma lobby sues Trump administration over Medicare drug price cuts

By Michael Erman Oct 7 (Reuters) - The pharmaceutical industry's top lobby group on Wednesday sued to invalidate the Trump administration's efforts to benchmark US drug prices to lower costs overseas in the Medicare health insurance program, arguing that it is an illegal government overreach.

Pharmaceutical lobby sues Trump administration over most-favored-nation pricing

Pharmaceutical lobby sues Trump administration over most-favored-nation pricing

By Michael Erman Oct 7 (Reuters) - The pharmaceutical industry's top lobby group on Wednesday sued to invalidate one piece of the Trump administration's efforts to benchmark US drug prices to lower costs overseas in the Medicare health insurance program, arguing that it is an illegal overreach by

The cost of drugs from Canada is set to soar for millions of Americans because of a federal rule

The cost of drugs from Canada is set to soar for millions of Americans because of a federal rule

Millions of Americans who buy cheap drugs from Canada could soon lose access due to a new customs rule

Northwestern Study Reveals Long-Term Opioid Use Ineffective for Chronic Back Pain, Identifies New Molecular Markers

Northwestern Study Reveals Long-Term Opioid Use Ineffective for Chronic Back Pain, Identifies New Molecular Markers

A new study from Northwestern University indicates that long-term opioid use does not significantly improve pain or functioning in individuals suffering from chronic back pain. The research compared 70 long-term opioid users with 70 similar patients who were not taking opioids. Both groups reported nearly identical pain levels, averaging 5.4 on a 10-point scale, suggesting that years of opioid use did not lead to better pain management. While the opioid group showed slightly worse outcomes in physical function and mental health, their brain anatomy remained largely intact, dispelling fears that long-term opioid ingestion severely damages the brain. However, significant differences were observed in spontaneous brain activity, particularly in the mesocorticolimbic network (involved in reward and motivation) and the prefrontal cortex (supporting decision-making). The study, published in the journal Brain, also identified new molecular markers, including those related to serotonin receptors, which could pave t...

Virginia Tech Researchers Develop Wearable Patch to Combat Fentanyl Overdoses

Virginia Tech Researchers Develop Wearable Patch to Combat Fentanyl Overdoses

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable patch designed to detect dangerously high levels of fentanyl in the body and automatically release naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. This innovative technology aims to address the critical issue of overdoses occurring when individuals are alone and unable to seek help. The patch, smaller than a penny, contains over 120 microscopic needles that penetrate the skin. Upon detecting fentanyl, it triggers the release of naloxone. Associate Professor Wujin Sun, who has led the development for four years, highlighted that the patch can also deliver multiple doses, which is crucial because naloxone's effects can wear off while fentanyl remains in the system, risking subsequent overdoses. The technology has undergone laboratory testing and trials in mice, with findings published in the journal 'Advanced Science'.

FDA Issues Recalls and Warnings for Various Drugs, Including Amazon Acetaminophen and Compounded Glutathione

FDA Issues Recalls and Warnings for Various Drugs, Including Amazon Acetaminophen and Compounded Glutathione

The FDA has issued several drug recalls and warnings, highlighting concerns over manufacturing practices, product quality, and potential health risks. Among the recalled products are Amazon Acetaminophen Extra Strength Caplets, due to consumer complaints of discolored tablets, and compounded glutathione from Greenwich Rx Compounding Pharmacy, which is under recall for potential elevated endotoxin levels. Other recalls include Benzoyl Peroxide Wash for microbial contamination, Clindamycin Phosphate Foam for defective containers, and Estradiol Gel for empty or partially filled packets. Additionally, FOCUS PI Hypromellose eye drops and K.C. Pharma's various eye drop brands are being recalled due to a lack of assurance of sterility. The FDA also issued warnings regarding unapproved skin-lightening creams, Orbi 20 Whitening Cream and Omni Gold Anti-Marks Cream, found to be contaminated with mercury. These actions are part of the FDA's ongoing efforts to ensure drug safety and compliance with federal regulations...

Social Security 2027 COLA may outpace Medicare cost but not much else

Social Security 2027 COLA may outpace Medicare cost but not much else

2027 Social Security COLA may rise to 3.5%, above the expected Medicare Part B premium increase. But other rising costs may eat up the rest of COLA.

The Commercial Appeal

Access to GLP-1s Could Help Tackle TN Cardiovascular Crisis | Opinion

Access to GLP-1s Could Help Tackle TN Cardiovascular Crisis | Opinion

Obesity remains one of Tennessee's -- and the nation's -- most significant public health challenges.

Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 Mandates Medicare Part B Enrollment for Most Retirees

Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 Mandates Medicare Part B Enrollment for Most Retirees

The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 has introduced a significant change for most Medicare-eligible Postal Service annuitants retiring after January 1, 2025. These retirees are now required to enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain their Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plan, unless they meet specific exceptions. This mandate marks a departure from the previous Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, which did not have such a requirement. The PSHB program, while a separate entity within FEHB, offers similar comprehensive benefits and is administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The new rule also extends to Medicare-eligible family members covered under a retiree's PSHB plan, meaning they too must enroll in Part B or risk losing their PSHB coverage. Exceptions to this requirement include individuals who retired on or before January 1, 2025, those aged 64 or older on January 1, 2025, individuals living outside the U.S. and its territories, and those eligible for certain VA heal...