63 New Medications Added to Coverage, Including 11 High-Priced Drugs
Ministry of Health and Welfare announces inclusion and expanded coverage of 63 new medications.
This year, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) revealed that 63 pharmaceuticals witnessed either their initial listing or an expansion in coverage within the national health insurance plan. Notably, this count encompassed 11 high-priced medications, shedding light on the evolving landscape of accessible healthcare.
According to MOHW's November 23rd disclosure, 11 high-cost drugs received coverage decisions this year, meeting the criteria of an annual financial requirement surpassing $7.7 million or an individual medication cost exceeding $76,533 per year. Among these, six medications secured a place in the national health insurance coverage for the first time, while the criteria for five existing medications were broadened.
February 1st marked the widened usage scope of Venetoclax tablets, specifically tailored for acute myeloid leukemia. Previously shouldering an annual medication cost exceeding $19,133 per person, its incorporation into medical coverage has significantly reduced the expense to approximately $971.
Another significant addition occurred on April 1st, welcoming Erleada Tablet for metastatic prostate cancer patients into the coverage list. Previously costing around $22,401 annually for individuals, the coverage reduced the financial burden to approximately $1,117. Simultaneously, Dupixent's coverage expansion to encompass severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents presented a substantial relief, lowering the annual cost to $1,010 for children and $1,331 for adolescents.
May saw the introduction of Crysvita, a high-priced medication tailored for pediatric hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets, marking the inaugural drug under the 'Rapid Inclusion No.1 Drug' policy of the year. Initially projecting an annual cost of $15,306 for patients, the application of the maximum personal payment limit significantly lowered the expense to a maximum of $7,760.
Additionally, from May onwards, Hemlibra PFS injections expanded their coverage scope, now catering to non-inhibitor patients diagnosed with type A hemophilia.
August witnessed the inclusion of a new high-cost medication and the broadened usage scope of existing treatments. Onureg tablets for acute myeloid leukemia and Bavencio for urothelial carcinoma were incorporated into medical coverage. Previously demanding $153,067 and $24,490 annually respectively, the coverage resulted in a substantial reduction to $6,972 for Onureg and $972 for Bavencio per year.
September marked the eligibility of 'Opdivo' for coverage in advanced or metastatic stomach cancer cases. Subsequently, in October, Spinraza and Evrysdi Dry Syrup, both high-cost treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, witnessed expanded usage scope or initial inclusion. These medications fall within the maximum personal payment limit, capping yearly costs at $7,760 for individuals.
The impending addition of 'Enspryng' in December for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, despite an annual cost of $88,779, promises significant relief for individuals, as they will only bear 10% of the expense due to the application of the maximum personal payment limit.