Health insurance law changes increase patient costs for OTC-equivalent drugs

A revised health insurance law passed, introducing patient co-payments for certain over-the-counter equivalent drugs. This reform aims to reduce insurance payouts and lower premiums for the working population. The new system will partially exclude drugs with similar effects to over-the-counter medications from insurance coverage, requiring patients to pay more. The government plans to start this in March 2027, with around 1,100 items initially targeted. The law also allows for future exclusions of other medical services beyond drugs, raising patient concerns. Additionally, the high-cost medical expense benefit system's deductible will increase in August 2026.