The Government has approved a new pharmaceutical co-payment system that introduces monthly limits on spending on medicines for workers with low and lower-middle incomes. The measure was published this Wednesday in the Official State Gazette (BOE) through and begins to be applied the day after its publication, that is, starting tomorrow, May 14.
The reform modifies the contribution system that users pay for medicines dispensed in pharmacies and establishes, for the first time, maximum monthly limits for active workers with incomes of less than 35,000 euros per year. The objective is to prevent people with chronic diseases or long-term treatments from having to bear excessive pharmacy expenses.
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According to the BOE itself, the measure seeks to correct one of the main inequalities of the current system, that many low-paid workers were paying more for their medications than some pensioners with similar incomes.
What will be the new monthly limits to pay for medications
The new regulations set different maximum monthly limits depending on the worker’s income. Once that amount is reached, the excess must be subsequently reimbursed by the autonomous community.
These will be the new limits for active workers and their beneficiaries:
- Income less than 9,000 euros: maximum of 8.23 euros per month.
- Income between 9,000 and 18,000 euros: maximum of 18.52 euros per month.
- Income between 18,000 and 35,000 euros: maximum of 61.75 euros per month.
In addition, the limits for pensioners are also maintained and reorganized:
- Pensioners with incomes of less than 18,000 euros: maximum of 8.23 euros per month.
- Pensioners with incomes between 18,000 and 60,000 euros: maximum of 13.37 euros.
- Pensioners with income between 60,000 and 100,000 euros: limit of 18.52 euros.
- Pensioners with incomes greater than 100,000 euros: maximum of 61.75 euros.
On the other hand, the copayment percentage will continue to depend on the income level. Thus, workers with incomes between 18,000 and 60,000 euros will pay 45% of the price of the medicine, while those who earn more than 60,000 euros will pay between 50% and 60%.
Which workers will be exempt from paying for medications
The rule also maintains the total exemption from pharmaceutical co-payment for certain vulnerable groups. Among them are:
- Beneficiaries of the Minimum Living Income.
- Pensioners with minimum supplements.
- People who receive non-contributory pensions.
- Unemployed who have exhausted the subsidy.
- People receiving social integration income.
- Minors with a recognized disability equal to or greater than 33%.
- People affected by a work accident or occupational disease.