Deal will cut prices of 10 of Medicare’s costliest drugs
UC economist says deal could result in huge savings for individuals
Americans with Medicare Part D prescription coverage and taxpayers are expected to save billions of dollars as a result of a deal the federal government struck with pharmaceutical companies, WLWT reported.
Erwin Erhardt
The government and pharmaceutical companies have agreed to reduce the prices of 10 of Medicare’s costliest drugs. The price cuts will take effect in 2026 and could lower costs for seniors by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month.
“These are drugs that are used for more serious, very serious illnesses, actually — like blood cancer, heart disease, diabetes; arthritis is in there, too,” said Erwin Erhardt, PhD, an associate professor - educator in the economics department of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Blood thinners Xarelto and Eliquis and diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia are among the drugs whose prices are slated to be cut.
“It's going to result, hopefully, in some huge savings for seniors 65 and older,” Erhardt said.
Featured image at top: A pharmacist explains a woman's prescription to her. Photo/Rhoda Baer, National Cancer Institute via Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Tips to avoid headaches this holiday season
December 15, 2025
A University of Cincinnati migraine expert offered a list of potential headache triggers around the holidays, and how you can try to avoid them, to 91.7 WVXU News. "There are a number of different factors that make this a very headache provocative time," said Vincent Martin, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need
December 15, 2025
A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.
The hottest toys this holiday season
December 15, 2025
Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.