💊 Brand-Name Drug Extra Charge Expanded (775 Items)

❓ What's changing?

The "selected medical treatment" system for long-listed drugs is expanding with 34 new additions, totaling 775 items. When patients choose a brand-name drug over a generic equivalent, they must pay an extra 25% (1/4) of the price difference out of pocket.

⚙️ How it works

• ●Covers 775 brand-name drugs that have generic equivalents
• ●Choose brand-name → pay 1/4 of the price difference extra
• ●Choose generic → no extra charge (same as before)
• ●If medically necessary, doctor can waive the extra charge

💰 Example

Brand-name: ¥200/tablet, Generic: ¥80/tablet. Difference ¥120 × 1/4 = ¥30 extra. At 30% copay: normal ¥60 + extra ¥30 = ¥90 total.

👥 Who's affected?

• ✓Foreign residents with chronic conditions requiring regular prescriptions
• ✓Those on medications for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.
• ✓Anyone specifically requesting brand-name prescriptions
• ✓All national health insurance / social insurance enrollees

💸 How to reduce your burden

• ✓Ask your doctor about switching to generics
• ✓Tell the pharmacy "generics are OK"
• ✓Check your medication handbook to see if your drugs are covered
• ✓Consult your doctor if there's a medical necessity