奋进的河南——决胜“十四五”丨药费清单里的健康守护

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant impact of the inclusion of targeted lung cancer drug Osimertinib (Aozhi) in the national medical insurance directory, which has drastically reduced its price and improved access for patients, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes [2][3][5]. Group 1: Drug Pricing and Accessibility - Osimertinib was initially priced over 50,000 yuan per box, making it unaffordable for many patients before being included in the national medical insurance directory in 2018, which reduced the price to 15,300 yuan [2]. - The price of Osimertinib has continued to decrease through negotiations, reaching 4,966.2 yuan per box in 2022, allowing patients to afford the medication [2][3]. - The reimbursement system for outpatient specific drugs in the province offers approximately 85% coverage for employee insurance and 80% for rural residents' insurance, significantly lowering out-of-pocket expenses for patients [3]. Group 2: Impact on Patients - The reduction in drug costs has transformed the financial burden for patients, with some reporting monthly expenses dropping from five-digit figures to three-digit figures, thus restoring their dignity and hope [5][6]. - The number of patients benefiting from Osimertinib has significantly increased since its inclusion in the insurance program, demonstrating the positive effects of the policy on patient access to essential medications [5]. - The article emphasizes that the changes in drug pricing not only alleviate financial stress but also enhance the overall quality of life for patients, allowing them to focus on their health rather than financial constraints [4][6]. Group 3: National Health Policy Initiatives - The article discusses the concept of "national negotiated drugs," which refers to the government's efforts to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies to make high-quality medications more accessible to the public [2]. - Since 2018, the national drug procurement policy has led to the inclusion of 835 new drugs in the basic medical insurance directory, with 530 of these being negotiated, covering various treatment areas including cancer and rare diseases [3][6]. - The implementation of centralized procurement has resulted in the collection of 1,303 types of drugs, further contributing to the reduction of drug prices and improving accessibility for patients [6].