Expansion of National Health Insurance in Taiwan to Incorporate Cancer Immunotherapies
Rewritten Article:
Taiwan's health authority announced plans to expand coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, starting as early as June, to include three types of cancer immunotherapies. These treatments will be available for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer, and early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients [1].
The move is expected to benefit around 2,700 to 3,400 patients, with an annual allocation of approximately NT$3.295 billion (US$101.28 million) from a special cancer fund to subsidize the treatments. Patients can anticipate savings of around NT$1.71 million to NT$2.47 million per year in medical expenses [2].
NSCLC patients are expected to experience the most benefits, followed by those with TNBC and metastatic colorectal cancer [2]. The decision to introduce this new coverage plan was made to align with international treatment guidelines, referencing the United States' National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) [1].
According to the NCCN, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab are two types of immunotherapy drugs effectively used to treat NSCLC [1]. The decision to include these three types of cancer immunotherapies under the NHI system follows discussions with local medical communities and patient groups [1].
Taiwan is launching a dedicated cancer drugs fund with an initial budget of NT$5 billion in 2025, aiming to accelerate reimbursement for new cancer drugs without burdening the broader healthcare finances. The fund will be overseen by a cancer expert committee, ensuring priority is given to patients who benefit most from immunotherapies [3].
This expansion reflects Taiwan's commitment to improving cancer outcomes through cutting-edge therapies and financial support mechanisms [3].
Here's a summary of the key points:
| Aspect | Details ||---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|| Immunotherapy types covered | Three major cancer immunotherapies (not specifically named) || Start of NHI coverage | June 2025 || Number of patients helped | Over 3,000 || Financial benefit | Up to NT$2.47 million saved yearly per patient || Patient groups benefiting most | Patients with cancers treatable by these immunotherapies; identified via precision medicine and genetic testing || Supporting measures | Separate cancer drug fund (NT$5 billion initial budget), expert committee review for drug efficacy and stage-specific benefits |
This expansion underscores Taiwan’s commitment to providing affordable access to innovative cancer immunotherapies for those in need.
References:[1] Taipei Times. Taiwan to expand NHI coverage to cancer immunotherapies. 2023.[2] United Daily News. Cancer patients to save between NT$1.71 million and NT$2.47 million per year under NHI coverage expanse. 2023.[3] Focus Taiwan. Taiwan launches dedicated cancer drug fund. 2023.
- The National Health Insurance (NHI) system in Taiwan is set to cover three types of cancer immunotherapies, including those for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, starting as early as June 2025.
- The inclusion of these immunotherapy types under the NHI system follows discussions with local medical communities and patient groups, and aligns with international treatment guidelines, such as those provided by the United States' National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
- The move to cover these immunotherapies is expected to benefit over 3,000 patients, with each patient potentially saving between NT$1.71 million to NT$2.47 million annually in medical expenses.
- Taiwan's dedication to providing affordable access to innovative cancer immunotherapies is further underscored by the launch of a separate cancer drug fund with an initial budget of NT$5 billion in 2025, which will be overseen by a cancer expert committee, ensuring priority is given to patients who benefit most from these treatments.
