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A new policy could push some prescription drug costs significantly higher for patients in the near future.
Earlier this month, the White House announced a 100% tariff on certain brand-name medications and their active ingredients. Not every medication is going to be affected, but experts warn that higher costs could move through insurers and pharmacies over time.
That makes now a good moment to review how you pay for prescriptions, especially if you're already managing a tight budget or want to keep more cash in your wallet.
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What the new drug tariffs actually do
As part of a program to bolster national security and strengthen U.S. supply chains, President Donald Trump recently imposed new tariffs on some imported pharmaceutical products.
The new tariffs apply to brand-name prescription drugs that are still under patent, along with the ingredients used to make them. Some of these medications could face tariffs as high as 100%, depending on whether drugmakers agree to lower prices or move production to the United States. Larger companies have about 120 days before the highest rates take effect, while smaller companies have up to 180 days.
Not all medications are affected. Generic drugs and biosimilars are currently exempt, though this is going to be reassessed in one year, and some manufacturers may avoid the tariffs if they meet certain pricing or production requirements. For now, that means many commonly used prescriptions may not change right away, but there is still a risk that higher costs could eventually show up in insurance premiums or out-of-pocket prices.
What this means for patients
For many patients, the immediate impact may be limited. Currently, nine out of 10 prescriptions in the U.S. are for generic drugs, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which are not currently affected by the new tariffs. That means you probably won't see changes at the pharmacy right away, especially if you're not taking brand-name medications.
The larger issue is how those costs could build over time. If drugmakers pass along higher expenses, those increases could show up in insurance premiums or what you pay out of pocket at the pharmacy. With the policy still evolving and exemptions subject to change, reviewing your current prescriptions now could help you avoid unexpected costs later.
How to protect your prescription drug costs now
Thankfully, there are steps you could take now to help manage your prescription costs, especially if you rely on brand-name medications. Taking a few simple actions now could help limit what you pay at the pharmacy counter.
Ask your doctor about switching to a generic
If you take a brand-name medication, ask your doctor whether a generic version or therapeutic alternative is available. Generics use the same active ingredients and are often significantly cheaper. Since generics are not subject to the new tariffs right now, switching could help you avoid potential price increases tied to brand-name drugs.
Compare prices across pharmacies
Prescription prices often vary widely depending on where you fill them. Using price comparison tools like GoodRx or asking for the cash price sometimes helps you find lower-cost options without changing your prescription.
Check your insurance coverage tier
Insurance plans group medications into pricing tiers, which directly affects your copay. If you are taking a higher-tier brand-name drug, you may be paying more than necessary. Review your plan's formulary to see whether lower-cost options are available, especially if pricing changes begin to shift how drugs are categorized. If you have Medicare, it is also worth checking whether your Medicare Part D covers your current medications at the lowest tier.
Look into manufacturer savings programs
Many pharmaceutical companies offer savings programs, coupons, or patient assistance options for brand-name medications. These programs often reduce out-of-pocket costs, particularly for people with limited coverage or specific income levels. They may become more valuable if tariffs push list prices higher.
Consider a 90-day supply
If your insurance allows it, switching to a 90-day supply may lower your cost per refill and reduce dispensing fees. It could also help you hold onto current pricing for a longer period if changes begin to roll out gradually.
Review your plan during open enrollment
If drug prices shift in response to the new tariffs, insurance plans may adjust which medications they cover and how they price them. Reviewing your options during open enrollment could sometimes help you find a plan that better fits your prescription needs and budget.
Taking a few minutes to review these options now could make it easier to manage your costs if prices begin to change later.
Bottom line
The new tariffs may not affect every prescription right away. They do, however, add uncertainty to how much some medications could cost in the months ahead.
Generic drugs remain a more stable and often lower-cost option for now, though it may still be worth reviewing your current prescriptions and insurance coverage. But taking a few proactive steps today could help you stay ahead of potential price changes and lower your financial stress that could build when everyday costs start to rise. As always, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medications.
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