To prevent medication discontinuation among citizens holding refillable prescriptions for patients with chronic illnesses during the 2013 Chinese New Year, which lasts 9 days, citizens may refill such prescriptions starting from January 30, 2013 (10 days before the Chinese New Year) if the next monthly refill is scheduled around the Chinese New Year (between February 9, 2013 and February 17, 2013). The Bureau of National Health Insurance has requested contracted hospitals, clinics and pharmacies nationwide to cooperate with the advance refills for the following month. 

The NHI’s “refillable prescriptions for patients with chronic illnesses” refers to the long-term prescriptions written by physicians for patients with stable chronic illnesses. Currently, the period of validity for “refillable prescriptions for patients with chronic illnesses” is calculated based on the actual medication days prescribed by physicians, and the maximum is 90 days. Such prescriptions allow multiple dispensations, with up to 30-day dosage given for each dispensation. Each dispensation for 28 days or more will be exempted from copayment for the medicine. 

Article 24 of the Regulations for NHI Medical Care provides that people with refillable prescriptions for patients with chronic illnesses are not allowed to collect the next monthly dispensation with the original prescriptions present until ten days before the maturity of the present term. However, for the 2013 Chinese New Year, the Bureau of National Health Insurance would like to remind patients with chronic illnesses who hold refillable prescriptions to refill their prescriptions in advance so as to enjoy a peaceful new year.