Pharmaceutical manufacturers are planning to raise list prices on at least 350 brand-name medications in the United States beginning in 2026, up from 250 drugs last year, according to new data from health care research firm 3 Axis Advisors. These increases reflect list prices and do not account for rebates or discounts.
Although steep, double-digit price hikes are less common than they once were, manufacturers are spreading more modest increases across a broader set of drugs each year (see table). The affected medications span a wide range of therapeutic categories, including vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and shingles, as well as widely used cancer, diabetes, and migraine treatments.
For self-funded employers, these broader pricing trends can still have a considerable impact. Even incremental list price changes can compound quickly when applied to high-cost brand and specialty medications.
MedBen Rx pharmacy solutions help employers stay ahead of cost trends without compromising care. From our acquisition cost model and high-value formulary to patient assistance programs, biosimilars, and pharmacogenomics, we help keep clients ahead of the cost curve.
For more information on how MedBen Rx can help reduce the impact of rising prescription drug costs, contact your broker or MedBen Marketing.