South Korea expands health insurance coverage for blood cancer and hemophilia treatments

South Korea is expanding health insurance coverage and refining reimbursement criteria for several critical treatments for blood cancers and hemophilia.

Starting September 1, the coverage for blood cancer treatments Polivy and Blincyto will be expanded. Polivy will be covered for first-line treatment of adult diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3 or higher. Blincyto's coverage will also extend to include patients with minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) following induction therapy. These changes are expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on patients.

Additionally, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service has clarified the reimbursement standards for Hemlibra, a treatment for severe Hemophilia A. The updated guidelines specify criteria for patients with and without factor VIII antibodies, including requirements for bleeding frequency, previous treatment history, and joint damage. The new rules also establish protocols for the administration of the drug, such as the necessity of initial hospital-based dosing and requirements for self-administration training.