1 October 2026 Around 15 adolescents and young adults a year are expected to gain access to funded cancer medicines under a change to Pharmac’s rules taking effect on 14 October.
1 October 2026
Around 15 adolescents and young adults a year are expected to gain access to funded cancer medicines under a change to Pharmac’s rules taking effect on 14 October.
The change is aimed at young people with cancers that typically occur in childhood and are treated using paediatric treatment plans. Until now, access to medicines under the relevant funding rule could depend on whether a patient was receiving care in a children’s cancer service or an adult setting.
Pharmac says the updated rule will give eligible patients a more consistent route to funded treatment, regardless of where they receive care.
“This change will mean eligible adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers can access funded medicines regardless of whether they receive care in a paediatric or adult setting,” Pharmac’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes, says.
Rule 8.1(b) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule currently gives children with cancer who are treated in a paediatric oncology service funded access to medicines used to treat their cancer.
From 14 October, that pathway will also cover adolescents and young adults who meet all three of these requirements:
A paediatric-origin cancer belongs to a defined group of cancers that typically arise in childhood. Some young adults with these cancers receive the same, or very similar, treatment to children. Pharmac’s review found that their access to medicines could nevertheless differ depending on the setting in which they were treated.
The new criteria focus on the type of cancer and treatment plan, while also requiring eligibility for the adolescent and young adult cancer service. The change does not extend Rule 8.1(b) to every young person with cancer.
The decision follows reviews of Rule 8.1(b) and consultation with clinicians and the families of young cancer patients. Pharmac previously confirmed the rule would remain in place and committed to looking at ways to strengthen it.
“We heard clearly from clinicians and the whānau of child and adolescent cancer patients that Rule 8.1(b) has a real impact on treatment and health outcomes,” Dr Hughes says.
Pharmac worked with other health agencies, the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Network Aotearoa, the National Child Cancer Network and its Cancer Treatment Advisory Committee on the expanded pathway.
Dr Hughes says cancer during childhood and adolescence can affect more than a person’s immediate health. Treatment and its lasting effects can interrupt education, employment and social development. Pharmac expects the change to improve health outcomes for those who become eligible, while providing a clearer funding pathway for patients and their care teams.
For a young person facing cancer, the hospital setting should not create an avoidable difference in access to medicines used for the same kind of treatment. From 14 October, the expanded rule is intended to address that gap for eligible patients.
