Nicosia, Cyprus. The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) announced its annual adjustment of medication prices, affecting 291 medicines, most of which increased. The changes alter what beneficiaries pay at pharmacies for certain reimbursed medicines from February 2.
Scope of the price adjustments
The HIO said the update led to changes in “contribution II” for some medicines reimbursed by the General Health Insurance, changing the amount beneficiaries are required to pay at pharmacies.
Prices increased for 197 drugs, while 94 drugs decreased in price. The 291 affected medicines represent less than 10% of the 2,419 medications currently authorised for sale in Cyprus.
Examples of price changes
The adjustments include increases of 0.11 cents for drugs such as the anxiety medication Alpraxolam and decreases of €1.47 for medicines such as Tafluprost eyedrops.
What beneficiaries may pay
The HIO said costs for the cheapest drug in each category will still be mostly covered by the health care provider, with patients asked to pay €1.
If a physician prescribes a drug other than the most affordable option, patients must pay the difference in cost.
Guidance on generic medicines and information access
The HIO encouraged patients to consult their pharmacist about contribution-free generic medicines containing the same active substance and strength as the drug prescribed by their treating physician, stating that these medicines are “equally effective and safe.”
The HIO said a comprehensive overview of the adjustments is provided online and can also be accessed via the HIO website, which is accessible in Greek only.
Will you ask your pharmacist about a contribution-free generic option if your prescribed medicine is not the most affordable one?