Disclosed is a bearing material for a medical implant or medical implant part, the bearing material comprising: (a) a matrix of crosslinked polyethylene, (b) a biocompatible hydrophobic carrier, and (c) a beneficial agent soluble in the biocompatible hydrophobic carrier. Also disclosed are methods for preparing a bearing material in accordance with the invention. The bearing material releases a beneficial agent at least partially by a load-activated mechanism.