Updates

The Insurance Committee of the NIHDI approved the Early and Equitable Fast Access (EEFA) procedure, which will enter into force on 1 January 2026. This procedure aims to accelerate Belgian patients’ access to innovative medicines. EEFA combines early temporary intervention principles with new fast-access measures in a single system. It targets pharmaceuticals addressing unmet medical needs (i.e., serious or life-threatening diseases for which no therapeutic alternative exists). Eligible medicines must have their safety approved by the EMA or be included in national compassionate use/medical need programs. Once approved, firms provide the pharmaceutical free of charge to patients and receive a temporary lump-sum intervention per patient, allowing treatment to begin before standard reimbursement decisions. This system remains in place until a final reimbursement decision is taken.