WASHINGTON—Today, the Biden administration announced the first round of high-cost prescription drugs for which Medicare will negotiate lower prices as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We applaud the Biden administration for taking decisive action to expand benefits and lower drug costs for all Americans,” said Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “We encourage drug manufacturers to work with the Biden administration to make these lifesaving and life-changing products available to recipients of Medicare at a reduced cost. For example, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for diabetes, and our communities have already seen the positive impact of insulin costs capped at $35 monthly under the Inflation Reduction Act. The first ten drugs will provide immediate financial relief to millions of hard-working families.”

The first 10 drugs are:

Eliquis: For prevention and treatment of blood clots
Enbrel: For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Entresto: For treatment heart failure
Farxiga: For treatment of treat diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease
Imbruvica: For treatment of blood cancers
Fiasp/Novolog: For treatment of diabetes
Januvia: For treatment of diabetes
Jardiance: For treatment of diabetes and heart failure
Stelara: For treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Xarelto: For prevention and treatment of blood clots and reduction of risk for patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease
To learn more about the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, view the ASPE factsheet and CMS factsheet.

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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.