About calculation

In the Netherlands, all reimbursed medicines are subject to regulation with a maximum wholesale price. This price regulation is based on a system of external reference pricing, which is established in the Medicine Prices Act (Wgp). The reimbursement of medicinal products is governed by the Healthcare Insurance Act (Zvw), which includes the internal reference pricing of the Medicine Reimbursement System (GVS). The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport holds the authority to determine the maximum wholesale price (Wgp) and is responsible for decisions regarding the content of the basic health insurance package. To maintain cost control, medicine prices undergo biannual reviews. However, there is an exception for medicines with an annual turnover below 1 million euros, as these medications can be exempted from regular price reviews. The Netherlands, along with Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, and Ireland, is a member of the Beneluxa initiative, which aims to enhance cooperation and joint negotiation in the area of pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement. The primary goal of the organization is to improve the affordability and access to innovative medicines for the participating countries. show more