The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance in Belgium (RIZIV) is considering putting a stop to reimbursing medications used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The measure, which would mean that as of 1 July 2020 anyone diagnosed with AD would no longer be reimbursed by their health insurance for these drugs, is part of the RIZIV’s budget proposal for 2020. The proposed measure in Belgium is being hotly contested by the Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen (Flemish Alzheimerliga) and the Ligue Alzheimer.
Sabine Henry, President of the Ligue Alzheimer, is worried that the proposal “sends the wrong message”. The drugs in questions work for some people, she asserts - One third of people taking the drugs report that their symptoms are alleviated, while another third feels there is an actual improvement, at least in the short-term. Furthermore, Ms Henry argues that, not only should treatments continue to be reimbursed, but more focus should be put on earlier diagnosis, as the treatments could be even more effective if taken earlier in the disease course. In a statement, the Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen said: “It has been scientifically proven that these medicines help patients who are in the early stages of dementia. They can remain independent for longer, which means they do not have to go into a nursing home immediately.”
Medication is also not prescribed as readily as it used to be. “It is only prescribed for patients that will really benefit from it and react well to it. If we handle it that way, then the money for the reimbursement is definitely worth it,” the Alzheimerliga said. Dr Sebastiaan Engelborghs, neurologist at the University Hospital Brussels, agrees:
“These medicines combat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, just as an aspirin temporarily reduces fever in the case of flu. They are not going to stop or slow down the disease, but for some patients, they can temporarily delay the disease’s progression. “Some studies even show that patients who take their medication can stay out of a nursing home for two years more than patients who do not,” he pointed out. “Reimbursing medication is cheaper than paying for a stay in a nursing home. By stopping the reimbursement, the message to all patients and their families is that Alzheimer’s is a hopeless disease in which society no longer wants to invest,” Dr Engelborghs stressed.
The final vote on the proposal is planned in the week of 21 October 2019.
