Pharma

CMS makes it official, codifying Medicare drug price negotiations established under IRA

By Fraiser Kansteiner

Nov 6, 2026 4:24pm

By Feb. 1 of next year, CMS will select up to 20 drugs covered under Medicare Part B or Part D for price negotiations taking effect in 2029, with the potential to also select medicines included in previous rounds for renegotiation. (SOPA Images / Contributor)

Against a backdrop of repeated industry challenges in court, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is locking in the drug price negotiation framework established under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

In turn, the process under which CMS selects certain high-spend Medicare Part B or Part D drugs and negotiates lower prices with manufacturers will carry on into 2029 and beyond. The rule codifies and expands policies previously established through guidance for the initial 2026-28 period.

The final rule is slated to go into effect Dec.…