Shaheen Applauds Selection of 15 More Drugs for Medicare Price Negotiations, Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Granite Staters

**Shaheen was a key supporter of measures in the Inflation Reduction Act that empowered Medicare to directly negotiate the prices of certain high-costs prescription drugs for the first time**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the selection of 15 more prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D for direct price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies, helping lower costs for Americans who rely on these medications. Nationwide, 5.3 million Americans with Medicare Part D coverage take prescription drugs set for negotiation in 2025 to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, type 2 diabetes and asthma. Shaheen was a key supporter of measures in the Inflation Reduction Act that empowered Medicare to directly negotiate the prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs for the first time.

“Thousands of Granite Staters rely on prescription drugs to treat life-threatening diseases, like diabetes and cancer, and they shouldn’t have to break the bank to afford them,” said Senator Shaheen. “Today’s announcement will help lower costs and make these critical prescriptions accessible for more Americans—and it follows on action that’s already been taken through the Inflation Reduction Act to combat the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. I hope the incoming administration takes note and supports Medicare's ongoing drug price negotiations.”

Shaheen has spearheaded efforts to combat rising drug prices and make essential medications more affordable, including by supporting key provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. For the first time, the Inflation Reduction Act provides Medicare the ability to directly negotiate the prices of certain high-cost drugs with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Shaheen also pushed for the inclusion of a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that capped out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients with diabetes by ensuring that Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage health plans limit copays or coinsurance to no more than $35 per month, 25% of list price, or 25% of the negotiated price. Shaheen also supported a measure to set a $2,000 cap on Medicare Part D out-of-pocket drug costs that went into effect on January 1 of this year.

As co-chair of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, Shaheen has consistently pressed to hold insulin manufacturers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers accountable for the skyrocketing cost of life-saving insulin. Shaheen recently delivered floor remarks in support of her bipartisan legislation with  Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the INSULIN Act, which would comprehensively address the skyrocketing costs of insulin and remove barriers to care making it more accessible to millions of Americans.

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