Increased benefits for NHF users, more drugs added
NATIONAL HEALTH Fund (NHF) cardholders will now benefit from increases in the subsidies of 432 prescription items and diabetic supplies. This adjustment to the subsidies will result in a $100-million increase in expenditure for the NHF card programme.
The NHF has also added new drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, prostate cancer and vascular disease.
New, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, is Trajenta tablets with the active ingredient linagliptin, and NHF offers a subsidy of $103.83 per 5mg tablet.
Epnone tablets with the active ingredient eplerenone with a subsidy of $97.50 per 25mg tablet and $195.00 per 50mg tablet, has been added for the treatment of hypertension. Ran-CV ER tablets, with active ingredient ranolazine ER with a subsidy of $91 per 500mg tablet, has been added for ischaemic heart disease.
In addition, firmagon injections, with active ingredient Degarelix Acetate for prostate cancer, have also been added with a subsidy of $17,698.40 per 80mg injection and $26,547.60 per 120mg injection. Doxium capsules with active ingredient calcium dobesilate for the treatment of vascular disease, is now subsidised. The NHF offers a subsidy of $81.84 per capsule.
A complete list of drugs and subsidies paid by the National Health Fund are available from NHF participating pharmacies, the NHF website or by calling NHF (1-888-NHF-CARE).