China’s medical insurance to deliver cheaper drugs

It has adjusted the insurance catalogue annually, now covering 3,159 drugs. 

China’s National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) announced the addition of 91 new drugs to the national medical insurance scheme, effective this year. 

This move will provide patients with cheaper and more diverse medications, with prices for the newly included drugs dropping by an average of 63%. 

These drugs address conditions such as cancer, diabetes, rare diseases, and psychiatric disorders.  

The NHSA estimates that the inclusion will reduce patient expenditures by approximately $7b. 

Since its inception, the agency has adjusted the insurance catalogue annually, now covering 3,159 drugs. 

This expansion significantly improves coverage for chronic and rare diseases as well as pediatric medications.  

As of October, price negotiations have saved patients more than $120.05b (CNY880b) and benefited over 830 million people.

($1.00 = CNY7.33)