With a joint ministerial decision published in the Government Gazette (FEK B’ 2313/24.04.2026), a retroactive measure for 2025 establishes an additional rebate on high-cost medicines (HCMs) reimbursed by the healthcare system.
The decision concerns specific categories of medicines covered by the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY), mainly those included in high-expenditure therapeutic clusters or those representing a significant financial burden for the system. For these medicines, an additional 3% reimbursement is introduced, calculated on the producer price and borne by pharmaceutical companies, which is then returned to the Organization.
The amount of the additional rebate on high-cost medicines is calculated based on 2025 consumption data and is paid on a quarterly basis. Specific exemptions are also foreseen for certain medicines, such as those with very low daily treatment cost or those included in special reimbursement agreements.
What the additional rebate on high-cost medicines means
The additional rebate on high-cost medicines does not directly affect patients’ co-payments nor does it change the way medicines are accessed. High-cost medicines continue to be provided under the existing reimbursement framework, as currently in place.
This regulation is part of the broader policy framework for controlling pharmaceutical expenditure and ensuring the financial sustainability of the healthcare system. Efficient resource allocation remains a key factor in maintaining access to expensive and necessary treatments.
At the same time, such measures are part of a complex pharmaceutical policy mechanism that influences the overall functioning of the medicines market and the long-term availability of therapies.
The importance of information
Understanding decisions related to medicines and healthcare financing is an essential part of system transparency. Timely and reliable information helps citizens better understand the framework within which access to treatments is shaped.
For organizations supporting patients, monitoring such developments is important, as it contributes to a more informed public dialogue on equitable and uninterrupted access to healthcare.
Read our previous articles on high-cost medicines here and here.
Read the official Gazette here (in Greek) : 20260202313
Text/Adaptation: Ifigenia Anastasiou for Kapa3
