1 of 3 | The Department of Health and Human Services on Friday announced 15 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, that will have their prices negotiated. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 17 (UPI) — Drugs used to treat cancer, diabetes and other chronic conditions are among 15 picked for negotiations that could result in lower prices for patients, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Friday.
The 15 drugs selected by HHS are all covered under Medicare Part D and represent the second round of negotiations between drug companies and the department, with a goal of lowering costs for Medicare patients.
Popular diabetes drugs Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, which are also used for weight loss are among the 15 announced Friday.
Negotiations between the government agency and drug companies will take place this year with any agreed upon price changes taking effect in 2027. Drug manufacturers can choose whether or not to enter negotiations with the government for a collective price for Medicare patients.
The 15 drugs announced Friday represented around $41 billion in total gross drug costs under Medicare Part D last year.
The program was first announced by President Joe Biden in August of 2023 as a way of making prescription drugs more affordable for Americans. The program is part of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Last February, the White House announced the first round of negotiations under the program, which covered the 10 most expensive prescription drugs covered under Medicare.
This past August, the Biden administration said the first round of negotiations would save Medicare users a collective $6 billion. Prices from the first round of negotiations go into effec