Government Gazette Archives

EOPYY: New reimbursement framework for respiratory devices – What changes for patients

The reimbursement of respiratory devices under EOPYY has been updated through a new decision published in the Government Gazette (FEK) on April 27, 2026.

On April 27, 2026, a new EOPYY decision was published in the Government Gazette, establishing revised reimbursement prices for respiratory devices such as CPAP, Auto CPAP, and BiPAP machines.

These are medical devices primarily used by patients with respiratory disorders, including sleep apnoea, and they represent a fundamental part of daily treatment and quality of life.

EOPYY reimbursement for respiratory devices: what changes

With this regulation:

specific reimbursement prices are defined for each category of respiratory device
the prices apply to all products included in the Reimbursed Medical Devices Register
previous decisions for the same categories are replaced

Prices are unified per device category, regardless of manufacturer or commercial model.

What this means for patients

The new EOPYY reimbursement framework for respiratory devices provides a clearer structure for people living with respiratory conditions who depend on these devices in their daily lives:

it clarifies what is covered by EOPYY
it strengthens transparency regarding equipment costs
it ensures access to essential therapeutic tools that are not a choice, but a necessity

In some cases, a patient co-payment may apply when the device price exceeds the reimbursement amount.

Temporary nature of the regulation

The decision is considered temporary, as it is part of a transitional framework until the completion of the negotiation process for final pricing.

Nevertheless, it is fully applicable from the moment of its publication in the Government Gazette and constitutes the current reimbursement framework.

A more human perspective

Behind technical terms, codes, and regulatory tables, there are people who rely on these devices to breathe better, sleep better, and maintain a more stable daily life.

A clear reimbursement framework is not merely an administrative measure. It helps reduce uncertainty in situations that are already difficult to manage.

Source

The full text of the decision, along with the detailed list of reimbursed respiratory devices and corresponding prices, is available (in Greek) in the Government Gazette (FEK) of April 27, 2026.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Additional Rebate on High-Cost Medicines for 2025: What the New Decision Foresees

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

Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette, FEK 230/B/22.01.2026) on Clinical Trials: Streamlining Research in Greece

The clinical trials regulation in Greece, published in the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) 230/B/22.01.2026, establishes a unified and simplified framework for contracts and financial management of clinical trials, non-interventional studies, and other health research projects. This clinical trials regulation in Greece directly affects clinical trials with medicines, studies involving medical devices, and research conducted in hospitals and public health institutions, aiming to reduce bureaucracy, ensure transparency, and protect participating patients.

WHY THE NEW DECISION WAS NECESSARY

Until now, procedures for signing contracts for clinical trials and studies were often delayed, complex, and varied between institutions. This slowed down research and discouraged sponsors and research teams. The new Ministerial Decision aims to create a clear, unified framework with common standards, defined responsibilities, and specific timelines.

WHAT CHANGES FOR CLINICAL TRIALS AND STUDIES

Under the new regulation:

Standardized contracts for clinical trials and studies are introduced,
Clear deadlines for contract signing are established,
The use of electronic procedures is promoted,
The financial management framework of research projects by responsible institutions is clarified.

These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate the daily operations of research teams and health institutions.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PATIENTS

Of particular importance is the reaffirmation that participating patients are not financially burdened by their involvement in clinical trials or studies. The costs of examinations, procedures, and services related to the study are covered by the sponsor, ensuring the protection of patients’ rights and safety, and reinforcing trust in the research process.

WHY THIS REGULATION IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR RESEARCH IN GREECE

The Ministerial Decision published in the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ 230/B/22.01.2026) represents a significant step toward improving the research environment in Greece. By creating unified and clear procedures for contract signing and financial management of clinical trials and studies, it reduces long-standing administrative barriers that delayed the implementation of research projects. At the same time, it strengthens institutional security for all stakeholders—researchers, health institutions, and sponsors—while fostering transparency and accountability.

In this context, Greece can become more competitive in research, facilitate participation in international research initiatives, and make more effective use of its scientific knowledge and human resources. In the healthcare field, accelerating and streamlining processes helps align research more closely with clinical practice and patients’ real needs, benefiting society as a whole.

Kapa3 closely monitors institutional developments affecting health research and clinical trials, highlighting their importance for patient protection and the improvement of care quality.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3