Japan's House of Representatives approved bills on Tuesday to raise out-of-pocket costs for medications that are similar to over-the-counter drugs [1, 2].

This change reflects a shift in how the national health insurance system manages prescriptions. By increasing the cost for certain drugs, the government aims to encourage patients to purchase these medications without a prescription—reducing the burden on the public insurance own funds.

Under the new legislation, 25% of the price of OTC-like drugs will be added to the patient's out-of-pocket costs [1]. This mechanism establishes a formal way to differentiate between essential medical treatments and drugs that can be readily available for purchase over the counter.

The cost increase is scheduled to take effect from March 2027 [1]. This timeline allows healthcare providers and pharmacies to adjust their billing systems and patient communication strategies before the implementation date.

Certain medications will be excluded from this price hike. Specifically, the bills exclude drugs used for the treatment of the treatment of cancer and other intractable diseases, ensuring that patients with severe or chronic conditions do not face increased financial barriers to essential care.

While some reports have suggested different outcomes, the legislation approved by the Lower House specifically targets an increase in costs for the general population of users of OTC-like prescriptions [1, 2].

“25% of the prices of OTC-like drugs will be added to out-of-pocket costs.”

This policy shift indicates a broader effort by the Japanese government to curb rising healthcare costs associated with an aging population. By shifting a larger portion of the cost of non-essential prescriptions to the patient, Japan is attempting to balance the sustainability of its national health insurance system against the need for accessible medical care.