Ministry of Health and Welfare's May New Regulations: Expanded Health Insurance Coverage Estimated to Save Patients NT$2.16 Million Annually

Q: What are the key facts in this article?

Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will expand health insurance coverage for 7 types of drugs, including 4 cancer drugs, starting in May. This move is estimated to save patients up to NT$2.16 million annually. The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program will also continue until July 31.

Q: What is the direct answer?

Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will expand health insurance coverage for 7 types of drugs, including 4 cancer drugs, starting in May. This move is estimated to save patients up to NT$2.16 million annually. The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program will also continue until July 31.

Q: What is the source and date?

Source: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202604300272.aspx | Date: Date unavailable

Central News Agency (Taipei, April 30) - The Ministry of Health and Welfare today announced its new regulations for May, expanding health insurance coverage for 7 types of drugs, including 4 cancer drugs. Each patient could save up to NT$2.16 million annually. Other drugs for treating pulmonary hypertension, psoriasis, and macular edema under specific conditions are also included. The Ministry of Health and Welfare today announced its new regulations for May, expanding coverage for faricimab component drug Vabysmo solution for intravitreal injection. The National Health Insurance Administration explained that beneficiaries are patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, allowing for extended dosing intervals. Its efficacy is comparable to existing covered drugs containing aflibercept. The National Health Insurance Administration stated that the expanded regulations will take effect on May 1, becoming official health insurance coverage. It is estimated that the number of treated eyes will be approximately 352 to 1758 from the 1st to 5th year, with estimated drug costs of NT$0.027 billion to NT$0.172 billion. The annual drug cost per eye is about NT$98,000, with a financial impact saving of about NT$14,000 to NT$97,000. This expanded drug coverage also includes bimekizumab component drugs. Beneficiaries are adult patients with plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis. The National Health Insurance Administration stated that this drug is an IL-17 inhibitor, offering patients an additional treatment option. The National Health Insurance Administration said that this drug will take effect on May 1 as official health insurance coverage. It is estimated that the number of treated patients will be approximately 362 to 1365 from the 1st to 5th year, with estimated drug costs of NT$0.099 billion to NT$0.365 billion. The annual drug cost per person is about NT$340,000 to NT$500,000, with a financial impact saving of a

Ministry of Health and Welfare's May New Regulations: Expanded Health Insurance Coverage Estimated to Save Patients NT$2.16 Million Annually

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

AI Analysis