News

 

Effective June 2026, the patient cost-sharing system for brand-name drugs that have generic equivalents has been revised.

Since October 2024, patients who choose a brand-name drug when a generic equivalent is available have been required topay an additional charge on top of their regular copayment under a system known as the Selective Medical Treatment System. 

 

Under the revised system, this additional charge has increased from one-quarter to one-half of the price difference betweenthe generic and brand-name drug, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients.

No additional charge will apply if a physician determines that the brand-name drug is medically necessary, or if the generic equivalentis unavailable at the medical institution or pharmacy.

 

■Details of the Revision

The additional charge is calculated based on the price difference between the generic drug and the brand-name drug.

 

Through May 2026　1/4 of the price difference
　　　　　　↓
From June 2026　1/2 of the price difference

 

For further details regarding the system and the list of applicable drugs, please visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website.

*This page is available in Japanese only.

 

Generic drugs have been confirmed to provide the same effectiveness and safety as brand-name drugs.

In addition, choosing a generic drug avoids the additional charge described above. Please Consider Using Generic Drugs.

 

 

For inquiries, please visit the following page:
Inquiries | Hitachi Health Insurance Society