Many Americans may see higher prescription drug costs in the new year. Drugmakers plan to raise U.S. list prices on at least 350 brand-name medications in 2026, including vaccines for COVID, RSV and shingles, as well as major treatments such as a widely used breast cancer drug. The increases come even as federal officials push companies to lower prices and better align U.S. costs with those in other wealthy countries.
The number of planned price hikes is higher than last year, when about 250 drugs were set for increases at the same time. This year’s median increase is around 4%, similar to 2025. These figures reflect list prices only and do not account for rebates or discounts negotiated by insurers or pharmacy benefit managers. A small number of drugs will see price cuts, including a diabetes medication whose price is set to drop by more than 40% following Medicare negotiations.
One major drugmaker announced increases on roughly 80 medications, with most hikes under 10%, though some vaccines and hospital-administered drugs are rising more sharply. Another large company also plans price increases on dozens of drugs, citing research and development costs. More pricing changes are expected in early January, which is typically when drugmakers make the most adjustments.
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