Cutback on medicine brands

Patients who refuse a generic medicine in place of a branded one from January 2020 will only be reimbursed based on the price of the generic, according to next year’s social security budget bill.

Connexion journalist

Published Thursday 25 October 2018 - 16:01 Modified Thursday 25 October 2018 - 16:01

The rule will apply unless there is a medical justification for it to be waived, for example, if the generic contains an ingredient to which the patient is allergic. Generics cost 40% less on average and the government says money saved can be put to better use, such as for buying innovative medicines to treat childhood cancers. Currently, the only penalty for refusing a generic is you must pay upfront for it and thus do not obtain le tiers payant.