National Health Insurance to Offer New Cancer Immunotherapies
Starting June 1, 2025, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) will include coverage for three types of cancer immunotherapies. This new scheme will provide first-line treatments for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer, and the early stages of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
The expansion will allocate approximately NT$3.295 billion (around $101.28 million) from the cancer fund each year to subsidize these treatments. The goal is to provide more accessible and affordable cancer care to patients who need these therapies.
Impact on Cancer Patients in Taiwan
The expansion of the NHI coverage is expected to benefit between 2,700 and 3,400 patients annually. NSCLC patients will be the primary beneficiaries, followed by those with TNBC and metastatic colorectal cancer.
The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has stated that cancer patients will save significant amounts on medical expenses, with savings ranging from NT$1.71 million ($52,564) to NT$2.47 million ($76,707) per year. This move aligns with Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to providing more comprehensive healthcare for its citizens.
Collaboration with Medical Communities and Patient Groups
The decision to add these three cancer immunotherapies to the NHI system follows extensive discussions with local medical communities and patient advocacy groups. The new coverage includes two important cancer drugs—pembrolizumab and atezolizumab—which have proven effective in treating NSCLC.
This decision also reflects international treatment guidelines, specifically those from the United States National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The inclusion of these drugs is part of Taiwan’s effort to ensure that its cancer treatments align with global best practices.
In summary, this move by Taiwan’s NHI marks an important step toward improving cancer care for patients in need, making life-saving treatments more affordable and accessible.
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