Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that primarily covers individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. While Medicare covers a wide range of medical services and treatments, including some prescription drugs, there are certain medications that are negotiated by Medicare to lower costs for beneficiaries. These negotiated drugs are typically used to treat common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. Here are 10 drugs negotiated by Medicare:
1. Insulin: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body, and is commonly used to treat diabetes. Medicare negotiates prices for various types of insulin to make them more affordable for beneficiaries.
2. Lisinopril: Lisinopril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
3. Metformin: Metformin is a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
4. Albuterol: Albuterol is a medication used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
5. Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
6. Omeprazole: Omeprazole is a medication used to treat acid reflux and ulcers. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which helps to alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion.
7. Amlodipine: Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
8. Sertraline: Sertraline is a medication used to treat depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
9. Montelukast: Montelukast is a medication used to treat asthma and allergies. It works by blocking substances in the body that cause inflammation in the airways, helping to reduce symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
10. Simvastatin: Simvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Overall, the negotiation of drug prices by Medicare helps to make essential medications more affordable for beneficiaries, ensuring that they have access to the treatments they need to manage their health conditions effectively. By covering a range of common medications, Medicare helps to improve the overall health and well-being of its beneficiaries.