New Zealanders would have more options if subsidies were kept for those most in need, a report says. “Many Kiwis can afford the drugs they need,” Wilkinson said. In any one year, 20 per cent of patients account for 91 per cent of prescription medicines – assistance could be targeted at them. “Fiscally constrained governments in a post-Covid-19 world will need to reprioritise spending.”His report also suggests that private health insurance could cover drug prescriptions. There is no clear need to subsidise people who do not need it.

Source: Stuff July 28, 2020 16:52 UTC