The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) is to expand coverage of oral medication for hepatitis B from Oct. 1, benefiting an estimated 21,000 people.
The move is a response to a WHO goal announced last year of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
Under the plan, people with the hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) who display a high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value once in six months may receive oral antivirals covered by NHI, down from twice currently, Medical Review and Pharmaceutical Benefits Division head Ruby Huang (黃育文) said on Friday.
Photo: Taipei Times
Coverage would also be extended to those with Stage 2 liver fibrosis, expanded from those in Stage 3 or higher, Huang said.
The plan is expected to cost an additional NT$732 million (US$22.76 million), she added.
Coverage of oral antivirals for hepatitis B has gradually expanded to include more people since they were initially included in the NHI scheme on Oct. 1, 2003, NHIA Director-General Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said.
This most recent expansion accords with expert recommendations from many countries, and brings hepatitis treatment in Taiwan in line with international standards, he said.
By responding earlier, the plan may help reduce the incidence of cirrhosis and liver cancer, thereby also reducing subsequent treatment costs, he added.
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