National Health Fund increases subsidy for children up to 18 years old

Effective Thursday, the National Health Fund (NHF) will be increasing by 100% the subsidy on drugs, respiratory devices and diabetic supplies for children up to 18 years old.

 

The NHF says the increase follows a review mandated by its board to look at access for beneficiaries. The increase will cost the entity $70 million.

 

Everton Anderson, CEO of the National Health Fund, says parents and care-givers who use NHF cards to purchase prescription drugs for children, will now pay less. In the case of asthmatics, Mr. Anderson says the subsidy will increase from 46% to an average 92% of the cost of the prescribed drugs.

 

The second largest group of beneficiaries is children afflicted with epilepsy, followed by diabetes and sickle cell.