To achieve WHO's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, the National Health Insurance Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (hereinafter referred to as NHIA) shall loosen the restrictions regarding oral antiviral medications for hepatitis B, starting from October 1, 2023. For patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, (1) the prescriptions are allowed for all patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (ALT ≥ double the standard reference range) detected within 6 months, instead of only those with elevated ALT detected twice within 6 months; (2) the prescriptions are allowed for patients with moderate liver fibrosis (≥ F2) instead of severe fibrosis (≥ F3). The new measures are estimated to benefit an additional 21,000 patients, with a total NHI medication expense of around NT$732 million.

The Director General of NHIA, Chung-Liang Shih, stated that to ensure timely treatment for patients with hepatitis B who require medical treatment, oral medications for hepatitis B have been included in the NHI package since October 1, 2003 and the coverage continues to expand to allow treatments for more people. This round of coverage expansion is the result of NHIA taking advice from relevant associations and experts, as well as international guidelines issued in the US, Europe, and the Asian-Pacific region, to align Taiwan’s hepatitis prevention and control policy in line with global strategies. Moreover, in response to WHO and national hepatitis prevention and control policy, the new measures will increase the treatment coverage rate to reduce the risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer and minimize relevant medical expenses.

NHIA is dedicated to hepatitis prevention and control under the national policy. In the future, NHIA will continue to identify more patients via different channels and encourage them to receive treatments. Relevant NHI benefit regulations will be constantly reviewed to stay in line with international guidelines. NHIA encourages the pubic to get hepatitis screening and accept regular follow-ups and prompts patients who meet the requirements to receive treatments as soon as possible. NHI stands with all the insured in the face of viral hepatitis threats,working together to create a brighter future!