“Medicare Drug Pricing Negotiation: How to Ensure Access & Equity”

Thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), millions of Americans are seeing savings in their annual healthcare costs. So far, the law has extended Marketplace affordability, capped the cost of insulin at $35 per month for people with Medicare, eliminated out-of-pocket costs for recommended vaccines, and improved access to affordable prescription drugs.

Starting in 2026 for certain Part D drugs and in 2028 for certain Part B drugs, the federal government will exercise new authority to negotiate prices with drug companies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the first 10 drugs that will be at the center of these landmark negotiations.

What access and equity concerns do policymakers, patient advocates, providers, and academics have as the Medicare drug price negotiations for 2026 get underway? What still needs to be done to ensure older adults, people with disabilities, and underserved communities receive the care and treatments they need?  

Join The Hill for a deep dive into these questions with health officials, lawmakers, and advocates.   

Speakers:

• Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Member, House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health
• Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Vice Chairman, House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health
• Craig Garthwaite, Director of Healthcare, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
• Gary A. Puckrein, President & CEO, National Minority Quality Forum
• Kurt Schrader, Principal, Williams & Jensen & Former U.S. Representative (D-OR)

Moderator:

• Bob Cusack, Editor in Chief, The Hill

Sponsor Perspective:

• Sue Peschin, President & CEO, Alliance for Aging Research
• Dr. Sara D. Collins, Interventional Cardiologist and Co-Chair, Health and Policy Committee, Association of Black Cardiologists