Once the drug makes the list, it can also be chosen as a "preferred drug".

By contrast, many other sponsors have established lists of preferred drugs.

For drug companies, it is a big advantage to have their products on the list of preferred drugs, known as a formulary.

Democrats said they were not seeking price controls or a uniform list of preferred drugs.

A list of preferred drugs allowed under the program could also bring big savings.

Republicans bar the federal government from setting drug prices or establishing a uniform list of preferred drugs.

Under the law, Medicare drug plans can establish lists of preferred drugs, believed to offer the best value to patients.

Under such a system, adopted by more than 20 other states, a state establishes lists of preferred drugs.

But many experts say the way to get big savings is to steer patients to preferred drugs.

The only way to get big savings and discounts, they say, is to steer patients to certain preferred drugs.