Changes to prescription drug copays: new rates and caps

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The percentages users pay for prescription drugs dispensed at pharmacies are revised. The number of contribution levels goes from three to six for active workers and their beneficiaries, and from three to four for pensioners. The percentage depends on income declared for income taxincome tax The personal income tax (IRPF in Spain): what people pay on what they earn from work, business or savings. and ranges from 10% to 60% of the retail price.
2. Monthly payment caps are introduced to protect people with chronic or long-term treatments. Active workers earning under €35,000 and low- and middle-income pensioners are covered, and any excess paid is refunded at most every six months.
3. Exemption from paying for medications no longer depends on a fixed income threshold for pensioners with minimum pensions. Pensioners receiving supplements that bring pensions up to the legal minimum are now exempt, so the exemption updates automatically as pensions are revalued.
4. Pensioners who were already exempt under the previous rules but do not receive minimum supplements remain exempt, provided their annual income is below €5,635, or below €11,200 if they do not file an income tax return. The protection extends to their beneficiaries.
5. The Government is authorized to issue the rules needed to implement the reform, and the law takes effect the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado).

Who it affects

• Active workers and their beneficiaries: Pay according to six income levels and, if they earn under €35,000, have a monthly payment cap.
• Social Security pensioners and their beneficiaries: Have four contribution levels and monthly caps based on income; those with minimum pensions are exempt.
• Pensioners exempt under the previous rules: Remain exempt even if they do not receive minimum supplements, if they show low income.
• Foreigners without registered or authorized residence in Spain: Pay 40% of the drug price, with a monthly cap of €8.23 if their income is below €9,000.

Words worth knowing

Copago (copay)

The share of the drug price paid by the patient, with the rest covered by the health system.

PVP

Retail price, that is, the price of the medication at the pharmacy.

Base liquidable general y del ahorro

A line on the Spanish income tax return showing the income used to calculate the tax; it determines the copay percentage.

Complemento por mínimos

An extra amount added to some very low pensions to bring them up to the legal minimum.

Grupos ATC

A classification of medications by what they treat; some of these groups have a reduced copay.

income tax

The personal income tax (IRPF in Spain): what people pay on what they earn from work, business or savings.

It summarizes the law as published in the BOE. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries