Affordable Drugs: Medicare Initiative Promises $2 Generic Medications

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a preliminary list of 101 generic drugs priced at no more than $2 per month for Medicare enrollees. The program, expected to start in 2027, aims to improve medication adherence by offering affordable prescriptions for common chronic conditions.

In a bid to make vital medications more affordable, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unveiled a preliminary list of 101 generic drugs capped at $2 for a month's supply under the Medicare program. This initiative aligns with efforts to enhance medication adherence among enrollees.

The list prominently features essential medications, including penicillin, metformin, lithium, and albuterol inhalers. Drugs for managing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and various chronic ailments also make the cut. CMS plans to review and update the list periodically to incorporate more commonly used drugs.

Slated for a potential January 2027 launch, the pilot program aims to simplify the process by eliminating barriers like prior authorization. With Medicare covering over 67 million Americans, this move follows the Inflation Reduction Act's recent negotiations on pricing for high-cost medications.

(With inputs from agencies.)