Impact of the National Health Insurance Coverage Policy on the Utilisation and Accessibility of Innovative Anti-cancer Medicines in China: An Interrupted Time-Series Study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.714127
• Publication Date: 2021-08-06T07:15:58Z
• Authors: Wenqing Fang; Xinglu Xu; Yulei Zhu; Huizhen Dai; Linlin Shang; Xin Li
• Keywords: Reimbursement; Cancer drugs; Essential medicines; Pharmaceutical policy

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of National Health Insurance Coverage (NHIC) policy on utilisation and accessibility innovative anti-cancer medicines in Nanjing, China. Methods: We used adjusted World Organisation Action International methodology calculate price availability 15 included drug list 20 tertiary hospitals six secondary Nanjing before after NHIC implementation. Interrupted time-series regression was analyse changes medicines. Results: reduction rates ranged between 34 65%. mean rate 27.44% implementation increased 47.33% suddenly with a slope 33.19–2,628.39 when implemented. Moreover, usage bevacizumab, bortezomib, apatinib significantly ( p < 0.001, = 0.009, respectively) With regard medical insurance reimbursement, became more affordable (0.06–1.90 times per capita annual disposable income for urban patients 0.13–4.46 rural patients). Conclusion: policy, which released by central government, effectively improved affordability However, remained low affected some factors, including incidence cancer, limitation indications within program, rational use It is necessary improve relevant supporting policies promote patients. government should speed up process negotiation include coverage, consider both examinations adjuvant chemotherapy insurance, increase investment health care.