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2026-08-01
High-Cost Medical Expenses Cap Raised
Effective August 1, 2026 (Phase 1). Monthly out-of-pocket cap raised 4–38% by income bracket. New annual cap of ¥530,000 for those earning ¥2–7.7M/year. Multiple-occurrence reduction kept as-is.
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2026-04-01Health
💉 2026 Drug Price Revision — Prescription Drugs Generally Cheaper
Effective April 1, 2026 — Overall -0.86% cut, some items down 40%+
-0.86%
Price cut
40%+
Max cut
Lower
Out-of-pocket
4/1
Effective
❓ What's changing?
The 2026 drug price revision cuts official prescription drug prices by 0.86% on a medical cost basis. Some items under the market expansion reassessment face reductions of over 40%. Out-of-pocket costs for all insured patients, including foreigners, will decrease.
📋 Key revision details
- ▼Overall drug prices: -0.86% (medical cost basis)
- ▼Market expansion reassessment: up to 40%+ cuts for over-performing drugs
- ▼New drug creation premium: innovative drugs maintain prices
- ▼Generic promotion: enhanced stable supply measures
💊 Main drug categories affected
🫀Hypertension medications (antihypertensives)
🩸Diabetes medications
🦠Anti-cancer drugs (some high-cost items)
🧠Neuropsychiatric drugs
💊Lifestyle disease medications in general
👥 Who's affected?
- ✓Foreign residents regularly using prescription drugs
- ✓Those being treated for hypertension, diabetes, etc.
- ✓Patients on high-cost medications (cancer treatment, etc.)
- ✓All national health / social insurance enrollees
✅ Patient benefits
Drug price cuts will generally reduce out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. Especially for chronic disease patients on long-term prescriptions, annual medical cost savings can be expected.
💡 Key points to know
1Prescription drug costs generally decrease
2Some drugs see major price cuts under market reassessment
3Combine with generics for even more savings
4Innovative new drugs maintain prices (no reduction)
🔗 Related Issues
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2026-06-01
2026 Medical Fee Revision — Consultation Fees Effectively Raised
From June 2026, new price-adjustment surcharges effectively raise initial consultation by ~¥20 and follow-up by ~¥30. Affects out-of-pocket costs for foreign residents at 30% copay.
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2026-04-01
Brand-Name Drug Extra Charge Expanded (775 Items)
From April 2026, 34 more brand-name drugs added to the "selected medical treatment" list (total 775). Patients choosing brand-name over generic pay 1/4 of the price difference out of pocket. Affects foreign residents with chronic conditions.