NHIF introduces electronic reporting for orphan drugs starting July 1

The Supervisory Board of the National Health Insurance Fund has approved the concept proposed by Governor Petko Stefanovski for a new procedure regarding the conclusion of contracts between the Fund and hospitals for so-called orphan drugs. This was announced by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Stanimir Mihaylov, as reported by zdrave.net.

According to the adopted concept, electronic reporting of expenditures for these medications will begin on July 1. The objective is to achieve greater transparency in financing and traceability of funds, particularly regarding unregistered medicines. The Ministry of Health is expected to propose amendments to Ordinance No. 2 to regulate the operation of the new system.

According to Mihaylov, the platform will be developed promptly by Information Services without requiring additional funding.

The meeting also addressed the so-called over-limit activities for March, which amount to approximately €17 million. It was noted that the expenditures have passed preliminary control; however, limiting such accumulations will require changes to the National Framework Agreement and the introduction of an electronic health card—steps that depend on the adoption of the 2026 NHIF budget.

According to preliminary estimates by the Fund, approximately €204 million will be required in the 2027 budget to avoid the accumulation of over-limit activities.

The Supervisory Board also approved expanding the scope of reimbursed therapies. Starting in 2027, the National Health Insurance Fund is expected to cover outpatient treatment for children with hypopituitarism and growth hormone deficiency—therapies that were previously funded by the Bulgarian Christmas initiative.