Reported by Li Shu-jen

National Health Insurance reimbursement of immunotherapy has extended a “lifeline” to many cancer patients. Pharmaceutical Benefit and Reimbursement Scheme Joint Committee Chairperson Janice Chen said the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) should take a closer look at rolling out co-payments for new cancer drugs with high price tags and allowing patients to pay 10 to 20 percent of their drug expenses out of pocket as a way to make more efficient use of limited funding and immunotherapy more accessible.

Chairwoman Chen said that the although the committee has urged the NHIA to reexamine the issue and begin the necessary amendments in December, January and February, no progress has been made since.

Instead of being concerned about the implications of health-care policies on coming elections, the NHIA should help carry out the consensus of employers and the insured, Chairwoman Chen said.

Chairwoman Chen also said that this year’s budget for immunotherapy stands at NT$800 million, covering eight types of cancer and 11 indications, for treating an expected 800 patients. Compared with targeted therapy and other types of cancer drugs, funding for immunotherapy is limited and not enough for comprehensive treatment. Clinical data indicates that the response rate to immunotherapy is approximately 20 percent, with therapeutic effects achievable in some patients, Chairwoman Chen said, urging the NHIA to raise the budget for immunotherapy to help more late-stage cancer patients.

(2019-04-19 / United Daily News)