Government increases ceiling for reimbursed medical prescriptions

The Romanian Government has approved a decision on adjusting the maximum value of medical prescriptions granted to persons insured in the public health system, following the increase in value added tax (VAT) for medicines. According to the Executive, the amendment is included in a draft decision to update Annex 2 to Government Decision no. 521/2023, a document that regulates service packages and the framework contract applicable in the social health insurance system.

• Monthly limit increases to 336 lei

Specifically, the value limit up to which insured persons can benefit from reimbursed medicines will increase from 330 to 336 lei per month, starting with August 1, 2025. This adjustment reflects the increase in the VAT rate for medicines for human use from 9% to 11%, intended to ensure that patients maintain access to treatments, without additional costs compared to the current situation. "The monthly limit of 330 lei is increased to 336 lei, a decision that contributes to maintaining access to reimbursed medicines in the social health insurance system, under conditions similar to those until August 1, 2025," the Government press release states.

• Direct beneficiaries: pensioners and chronically ill patients

The adopted measure will benefit in particular pensioners with incomes of up to 2,020 lei/month, as well as people suffering from chronic diseases, for whom the cost of medicines is partially covered by the state. For these categories, the value of prescriptions compensated at the reference price will be increased to 336 lei per month, which will ensure the continuity of treatments, despite the increase in VAT.

The decision is part of a broader set of measures aimed at protecting vulnerable patients from the effects of inflation and tax changes. Through this adjustment, the authorities aim to prevent the decrease in the population's medical purchasing power and maintain balance in the medicine compensation system, without generating additional pressure on patients.