Cancer drugs included in federal Medicare price negotiations

Nevada seniors are set to see lower prices on more of the medications they rely on. This week, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen announced that 15 additional prescription drugs have been selected for Medicare price negotiations—an expansion of the cost-saving measures first created under the Inflation Reduction Act. These negotiations aim to reduce out-of-pocket spending for people enrolled in Medicare Part D.

The newly added medications join the first 10 drugs already selected for negotiation, with lower prices scheduled to take effect in 2026. Many of these medications are commonly used to treat chronic conditions that affect older adults, including heart disease and diabetes. This second round of medications includes more that are used to treat certain cancers.

“As Nevadans continue being squeezed by rising costs, I'm happy to announce that I helped secure additional lower prescription drug prices for our seniors,” Rosen said in the announcement. “As long as I’m in the Senate, I’ll keep fighting to give Nevadans more breathing room.”

The first round of negotiations included Imbruvica, a drug used to treat some leukemias and lymphomas. The second round of negotiations includes more cancer drugs including:

• Xtandi for prostate cancer
• Ibrance for breast cancer
• Calquence for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and Mantle cell lymphoma

Sen. Rosen has prioritized efforts to reduce medical costs for older Nevadans. Along with supporting Medicare’s authority to negotiate drug prices and capping insulin at $35 per month, she recently introduced bipartisan legislation to further reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors.

For many in Nevada, especially those managing cancer or other chronic illnesses, lower drug prices mean better access to lifesaving medications and less financial strain. Nevada Cancer Coalition continues to support policies that improve affordability and access to care for people across the state.

NCC's ThriveNV navigators also work to connect those diagnosed with cancer with patient assistance programs that can help lower the cost of medications or provide financial assistance for living expenses to offset the cost of cancer care. Learn more at ThriveNV.org.