Medicare Negotiated Lower Prices for 15 Drugs, Including 71% Off Ozempic & Wegovy
Medicare has announced an unprecedented round of prescription drug price negotiations on 15 high-cost medications — including blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus — with discounts reaching as high as 71%. These reductions represent one of the most significant shifts in U.S. healthcare pricing in decades, offering substantial savings for seniors, taxpayers, and the Medicare program overall.
Full List of 15 Drugs with Negotiated Prices
Below is the complete list of negotiated drugs, including therapeutic use and estimated price reductions. These medications were selected because they are among the highest-spend drugs in Medicare Part D, lack generic alternatives, and have been on the market for years.
| Drug Name | Use | 2024 List Price | Negotiated 2027 Price | Estimated Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes | $959/month | $274/month | 71% |
| Wegovy | Weight loss / Obesity | $1,349/month | $274–$385/month | 71% |
| Rybelsus | Oral semaglutide for diabetes | $935/month | $274/month | 70% |
| Xtandi | Prostate cancer | $13,800/month | Not yet disclosed | 40–60% (est.) |
| Ibrance | Breast cancer | $13,000/month | Not yet disclosed | Up to 50% |
| Trelegy Ellipta | Asthma / COPD | $677/month | Not yet disclosed | 45% (est.) |
| Pomalyst | Multiple myeloma | $22,000/month | Not yet disclosed | 40–50% |
| Ofev | Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis | $12,000/month | Not yet disclosed | 38–45% |
| Linzess | IBS-C / chronic constipation | $523/month | Not yet disclosed | 40% |
| Entresto | Chronic heart failure | $676/month | Not yet disclosed | ~43% |
| Stelara | Crohn’s disease / psoriasis | $25,000/dose | Not yet disclosed | Significant |
| Symbicort | Asthma / COPD | $350/month | Not yet disclosed | 40% range |
| Soliris | Rare autoimmune disorders | $678,000/year | Not yet disclosed | Potentially 60%+ |
| Xarelto | Blood thinner | $542/month | Not yet disclosed | ~40% |
| Huntington’s Disease Drug | Rare disease treatment | Varies | Not yet disclosed | 40–50% |
Why These Price Cuts Matter
1. Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Seniors
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries rely on these drugs for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart failure, and obesity. The high cost of branded medications often leads seniors to skip doses or forgo treatment. The new negotiated prices are expected to significantly improve affordability and access.
2. Major Savings for Medicare and Taxpayers
The negotiated prices are projected to save Medicare up to $12 billion per year across just these 15 drugs. These savings help strengthen the financial sustainability of Medicare and reduce federal spending.
3. A Historic Shift in U.S. Drug Pricing Policy
Before the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Medicare was prohibited from negotiating drug prices. This policy change marks a dramatic shift in federal health policy, granting Medicare the authority to directly negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies for the first time in decades.
How Much Can a Typical Patient Save?
The table below shows estimated annual savings:
| Drug | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | $685 | $8,220 |
| Wegovy | $900 | $10,800 |
| Xtandi | $5,000+ | $60,000+ |
| Ibrance | $5,000+ | $60,000+ |
| Trelegy Ellipta | $300 | $3,600 |
| Entresto | $290 | $3,500 |
Broader Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry has strongly opposed Medicare's new negotiation power, arguing that price reductions could impact research and development. However, Medicare represents the largest single buyer of prescription drugs, and pharma companies may be forced to adapt by altering pricing strategies or focusing on more specialized treatments.
Ripple Effects May Include:
- Lower launch prices for new drugs
- Increased investment in rare-disease therapies
- Pressure on private insurers to demand similar prices
- Shift toward global harmonization of drug pricing
A New Era of Affordable Medication?
The negotiated prices across these 15 drugs represent a major milestone in controlling U.S. drug costs. Seniors can expect to pay significantly less for life-saving treatments, Medicare will save billions, and the pharmaceutical industry will evolve to a new pricing environment.
This moment may mark the beginning of a long-awaited shift toward transparency, affordability, and fairness in drug pricing across the entire healthcare system.
Comments