In November, CMS announced exciting news for Medicare patients when they unveiled agreements with drug makers for sharply lower prices on 15 high-cost medications under Medicare’s drug negotiation program. This builds on the Inflation Reduction Act’s push to make essential treatments more affordable, projecting $12 billion in savings for Medicare in 2027 alone – roughly double the first round’s impact. The College offered comments on this program, emphasizing the continued availability of these drugs.
For those in allergy care, the spotlight shines on two inhalers that many asthma patients rely on: Breo Ellipta and Trelegy Ellipta. The new pricing will make them far more accessible for Medicare enrollees. Here’s the breakdown for a 30-day supply:
Medicare Prices
| Inhaler | 2024 List Price | 2027 List Price | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breo Ellipta | $397 | $67 | 83% |
| Trelegy Ellipta | $654 | $175 | 73% |
These reductions stem from 2025 negotiations between CMS and manufacturers like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), focusing on drugs that hit Medicare’s wallet hardest – including these inhalers used by over 1.2 million beneficiaries for asthma and related conditions. Overall, the 15 drugs (covering asthma, COPD, cancer, diabetes, and more) account for about a third of Medicare Part D spending, or $40.7 billion annually.
The new prices kick in Jan. 1, 2027, and will apply to all Medicare Part D plans, including Medicare Advantage options. While this directly eases the burden on federal spending, Medicare patients could see out-of-pocket costs drop by $685 million nationwide – this should be a real win for keeping patients adherent to therapy. One caveat: Some worry drug makers might raise prices in non-Medicare channels, like employer plans, to offset losses. The Advocacy Council will monitor this situation and provide updates as trends emerge.
For the full CMS details, including the complete list and savings projections, visit the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program web page.
This move underscores a positive broader trend: Inhaler affordability is improving across the board, which should result in fewer skipped doses due to cost. That in turn, will improve patient outcomes.
The Advocacy Council – ADVOCATING FOR ALLERGISTS AND THEIR PATIENTS.
