The Federal Council (Schweizerischer Bundesrat Federal Council) initiated a consultation on 18 February 2026 regarding the Implementation of cost-containment package 2: opening of the consultation on the medicinal products sector (Umsetzung des Kostendämpfungspakets 2: Eröffnung der Vernehmlassung zum Arzneimittelbereich). This step follows the approval of the Federal Act on Health Insurance (Bundesgesetz über die Krankenversicherung KVG) by parliament in March 2025. The proposals target the 9.2 billion Swiss francs spent annually on medicines within the mandatory health insurance system.
The Federal Office of Public Health (Bundesamt für Gesundheit FOPH) will introduce volume rebates for high-turnover medicines to generate annual savings of 350 million Swiss francs. These rebates will account for turnover levels and development costs. The government also intends to codify price models – essentially confidential refund agreements – in the Health Insurance Ordinance (Verordnung über die Krankenversicherung KVV). These models aim to secure faster access to high-priced innovations by managing clinical uncertainty and financial risks.
Regulators will modernise the price-setting process by reducing the reliance on international reference pricing. The FOPH will incorporate greater expert input to assess therapeutic benefit. Regulators will also ensure scientific data are integrated more effectively into the assessment process. Furthermore, drugs receiving accelerated approval from the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Schweizerisches Heilmittelinstitut Swissmedic) will receive immediate reimbursement. This 'day-zero' access allows coverage for two years at a provisional price while the final reimbursement level is determined.
To ensure supply security, the FOPH will exempt low-revenue products from the triennial review of efficiency and economy. This measure reduces the risk of manufacturers withdrawing essential treatments due to low profitability. Additionally, the Health Care Benefits Ordinance (Krankenpflege-Leistungsverordnung KLV) will allow for pricing adjustments to incentivise appropriate pack sizes and reduce medicinal waste.
These measures represent a shift toward a more negotiated and evidence-led reimbursement system. While the reforms offer pathways for earlier market entry, the introduction of mandatory rebates on high-selling products will significantly increase price pressure on established brands.
Source: Federal Office of Public Health
Link: Umsetzung des Kostendämpfungspakets 2: Eröffnung der Vernehmlassung zum Arzneimittelbereich(Implementation of cost-containment package 2: opening of the consultation on the medicinal products sector)
Date: 19 February 2026