High-cost medicines now cover more affiliates of the Subsidized Regime. The National Council of Social Security (CNSS) approved this measure for non-oncological pathologies, through resolution 631-04 of February 26, 2026. This decision strengthens the financial protection of thousands of Dominicans with continuous expensive therapies.
Pathologies included in the new coverage
The resolution establishes an annual cap of RD$1,000,000 per affiliate for high-cost medicines in diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, growth disorders, hemophilia, primary immunodeficiencies, Kawasaki disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and gammaglobulinemias. These conditions affect around 20,000 patients in the Dominican Republic, according to historical data from the Ministry of Public Health.
Modifications and benefits of high-cost medicines
Update of previous resolution
The CNSS modified article three of resolution 610-04, which previously focused on cancer. Aura Celeste Fernández Rodríguez, general manager of the CNSS, explained that this norm details explicitly drugs and pathologies to avoid ambiguous interpretations in authorizations. “We guarantee better coverage and reduce access barriers”, she stated.
Historically, the Subsidized Regime covers over 2.5 million people of low resources. Before this expansion, many faced catastrophic expenses for high-cost medicines, which exceed RD$500,000 annually in cases such as hemophilia.
Efficient management of medicines
- Preferably through the Directorate of Access to High-Cost Medicines of the Ministry of Public Health, via joint purchase.
- If not available, acquisition through the market with authorization from the CNSS.
The Permanent Health Commission pushed this proposal after a technical review by the Superintendence of Health and Labor Risks. Health experts highlight that it reduces inequalities, aligning with reforms requested by figures such as Arismendi Díaz Santana to expand the Social Security Law.
This expansion of high-cost medicines directly impacts the quality of life of vulnerable affiliates. The CNSS seeks transparency and continuous therapeutic continuity, benefiting families across the country with more equitable access to vital treatments.
