Medicare Rx Negotiation Horizon: The Key Dates Ahead Of 2026 Rollout Of The Pricing Program

The Pink Sheet's updated guide to comment deadlines and decision dates for Medicare's new drug pricing program.

CMS Rx pricing calendar
Stakeholder Comments On the preliminary information collection requests are Due in May and June. • Source: Nielsen Hobbs; the Pink Sheet | Shutterstock images

Below are the important action dates for the first year of the Medicare price negotiation program, culled from the initial guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The process will take a few months longer in the first year than subsequent years as CMS builds the program. For prices implemented in 2027 and beyond, the actual negotiation and establishment of prices will take two years from publication of selected drugs to price implementation.

This timeline is part of the Pink Sheet's ongoing coverage of the implementation of the negotiation program and its ramifications...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Medicare

Pharma Cooperating With Trump On Direct Sale To Consumers, Pfizer CEO Says

 

Pfizer is in active discussions with Trump on MFN pricing and collaborating with peers on direct sales as an approach to lower drug prices, CEO Albert Bourla said.

Cuban: Drugmakers Are More Afraid of PBMs Than Trump

 
• By 

The billionaire investor said during a recent conference that brand drug manufacturers want to work with his Cost Plus Drug Co., but are afraid the PBMs will retaliate.

Most Favored Nation Pricing: Trump Ups Pressure On Voluntary Action, Clarifies Demands

 

The new 60-day deadline for striking a deal with the drug industry underscores the challenges the Administration may be having in developing non-voluntary policies to achieve MFN pricing in the US.

340B Rebate Model Gets HRSA Endorsement; Pilot Program Limited To Medicare Negotiated Drugs

 
• By 

Pilot is harbinger of greater transparency in the 340B program. But rebates may only be denied by manufacturers for overlap with Medicare negotiated prices, not for issues like diversion that have driven recent lawsuits.

More from Government Payers

340B Rebate Model Gets HRSA Endorsement; Pilot Program Limited To Medicare Negotiated Drugs

 
• By 

Pilot is harbinger of greater transparency in the 340B program. But rebates may only be denied by manufacturers for overlap with Medicare negotiated prices, not for issues like diversion that have driven recent lawsuits.

UK Approves Biogen’s Qalsody After England Revises Reimbursement Approach

 

Biogen has U-turned on its original decision not to file Qalsody for marketing approval in the UK for treating certain patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The move appears to have been triggered by a change in the reimbursement pathway agreed for the product.

Merck, AstraZeneca Downplay Impact of European Tariffs Despite Timing Uncertainties

 
• By 

Meanwhile, companies continue discussions with the Trump Administration over ways of increasing what European nations pay for drugs as an alternative to imposing a Most Favored Nation drug pricing policy in the US.