Sasho Klekovski, Director of the Health Insurance Fund, announced details regarding upcoming adjustments to the co-payment for several medications during a recent press conference. According to Klekovski, the inhaler therapy drug, Foster, used for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is scheduled to be available in pharmacies starting August 1st. At that time, the medication will be accessible without additional charges, requiring only a co-payment of 280 denars.
Furthermore, the co-payment for the anticoagulant drug, Xarelto (rivaroxaban), is set to decrease to 160 denars, effective January 1st. Klekovski elaborated on the policy mechanisms influencing drug price reductions. He outlined two primary methods by which drug costs are lowered.
The first method involves placing a drug on the positive list, a process that allows the state to negotiate a lower price, as inclusion on this list grants access to state subsidies. The second method, recommended by the World Health Organization, is the introduction of generic competition. He further noted that if a drug remains on the positive list but is offered under only one brand, the mechanism for price adjustment remains subject to these established processes.
These announcements provide clarity on the forthcoming cost structures for essential medications within the national healthcare system.
Topics: #klekovski #foster #available
