On August 15, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the price list for the first 10 drugs selected as part of the Medicare price negotiations between the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“Americans pay too much for their prescription drugs. That makes today’s announcement historic. For the first time ever, Medicare negotiated directly with drug companies and the American people are better off for it,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the announcement of intended pricing for these agents comes nearly a year after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the list of the first 10 agents included in the negotiations. The list, which consists of the 10 drugs with the highest gross annual spending total, accounts for $50.5 billion in total Part D gross covered prescription costs per year and more than $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs

Among the first 10 agents chosen, 4 have specific indications for patient populations with diabetes: empagliflozin, sitagliptin, dapagliflozin, and Novo Nordisk-specific insulin aspart products. According to CMS statistics, these 4 agents accounted for more than $16 billion in total Part D spending from June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023.

These prices will come into effect starting January 1, 2026. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, CMS will select up to 15 more drugs covered under Part D for negotiation in 2027, up to 15 more drugs in 2028, including drugs covered under Part B and Part D, and up to 20 more drugs for each year after.

A follow-up to their reaction episode earlier this year, this episode examines the price changes and what this could translate to for those with diabetes or members of the care team. In the episode, hosts discuss how significant reductions in the prices of SGLT2 inhibitors and insulin products will benefit people with diabetes, but point out the absence of long-acting insulin and GLP-1 agonists from the initial list is notable and will require continued negotiations.

Video Version: https://www.hcplive.com/view/diabetes-dialogue-first-10-prices-announced-from-cms-price-negotiations