💊 MEDICARE-NEGOTIATED LOWER PRICES START

Ten prescription drugs with high costs for Medicare will be available at lower prices in 2026. Thanks to a prescription drug law passed in 2022, the first round of Medicare-negotiated prices is here to make meds more accessible and affordable. Starting January 1st, these lower prices will apply to 10 pricey drugs for arthritis, blood clots, cancer, and diabetes, which is great news for millions of beneficiaries.

These negotiated prices aren't optional; they have to be available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries and included in all Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans and stand-alone Part D drug plans. This whole initiative is expected to save recipients around $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket spending in 2026, and keep saving them money every year after that. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare itself would have saved about $6 billion if these lower prices had been in effect back in 2023.

MEDICARE CALLING BACK THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is temporarily calling back all furloughed staff. According to the Department of Health and Human Services shutdown plan, 47 percent of CMS staff have been on furlough since government funding ran out Oct. 1.

REMINDER! 2026 INCREASES EXPECTED

As you review your coverage, keep in mind that several key costs under the Medicare program are projected to rise in 2026. It’s a good idea to build these changes into your budget and plan now so you’re not caught off guard when the new year begins.

• The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is expected to increase from $185 to $206.50.

• The Part B annual deductible is projected to climb from $257 to $288.

• For prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, the maximum out-of-pocket cost (the drug cap) is expected to increase from $2,000 to $2,100.