On January 17, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the next round of 15 medications subject to Medicare negotiation. More details are available on the CMS website, but the list of drugs is Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Trelegy Ellipta, Xtandi, Pomalyst, Ibrance, Ofev, Linzess, Calquence, Austedo, Austedo XR, Breo Ellipta, Tradjenta, Xifaxan, Vraylar, Janumet; Janumet XR, and Otezla. The selected drugs are used to treat a variety of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, pulmonary conditions, psychiatric disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases, including rare diseases.
In response to the release, the EACH Coalition released the following statement:
“As CMS selects the second round of medications subject to the Medicare negotiation program, the EACH Coalition remains concerned that price-setting policies will ultimately have little impact on patient costs but could result in restricted access to needed medications.
We have advocated for and continue to urge CMS to take more proactive measures to protect patients from increased utilization management that could result from the program. Monitoring plans for these changes and responding after the fact does little for the millions of patients who could be impacted.
We applaud CMS for being responsive to the feedback of patients and patient organizations regarding the structure of the public engagement sessions. While there is still room to improve these sessions, we look forward to utilizing them and engaging directly with regulators to share patient perspectives and feedback throughout this process.
Finally, we urge Congress and the Trump Administration to refrain from expanding the drug negotiation program until its true impact on patients is known. The EACH Coalition remains dedicated to collaborating with CMS and other stakeholders to ensure that efforts to lower drug costs are effective and patient-centered.”
Action Alert: CMS must hear directly from the individuals who will be impacted by these policies during their upcoming public engagement events, including patients, caregivers and patient organizations that serve populations reliant on these drugs. The CMS opportunities will include a comment period, a town hall, and roundtables. For more information on the sessions, see our resource here.
Get Involved: We urge patient organizations and allied groups, as well as patients and caregivers, to get involved by participating in our two-part coalition that focuses on government drug affordability reviews and advocating for drug affordability policies that benefit patients. Sign Up Today!