For Jamaicans managing a cardiovascular condition, staying consistent with prescribed medication is an important part of protecting their health. But when medication is needed month after month, the cost can place added pressure on the household budget.
The Good News: The National Health Fund (NHF) is providing greater support by increasing subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug labels under the NHFCard Programme. The increases took effect on June 11, 2026, and approximately 3,400 NHFCard beneficiaries are expected to benefit.
More support at the pharmacy
The affected drug labels apply to medicines used to manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk, specifically products containing ezetimibe, ezetimibe-simvastatin and pravastatin. In Jamaica, these ingredients are found in medicines such as Ezetrol, Ezoleta, Zetia, Vytorin, Pravachol and Apo-Pravastatin.
Previously, subsidies on these medications ranged from 10% to 40%. Following a review of the existing subsidy levels, NHF identified the need to provide greater financial support to beneficiaries. Consequently, the subsidies on the affected drug labels were increased by between 10 and 40 percentage points, depending on the medication.
For beneficiaries, the aim is straightforward: to reduce the amount they have to pay when filling eligible prescriptions.
Carene Ralph Brown, NHF’s Manager of Individual Benefits and Research, explained that the decision followed a system review which demonstrated the need for a subsidy adjustment where applicable. The expected result is lower out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries.
For individuals and families managing recurring medication costs alongside groceries, utilities and other everyday expenses, those savings can make a meaningful difference.
Helping Jamaicans manage their heart health
The increase is also part of NHF’s wider effort to support Jamaica’s response to cardiovascular disease. Making prescribed medication more affordable can help reduce financial barriers for people managing these conditions over the long term.
This puts NHF’s mission of “no financial barriers to healthcare” into practical action by providing greater financial support where it is needed.
How can you benefit?
If you are an NHFCard holder who uses a medication containing ezetimibe, ezetimibe-simvastatin or pravastatin, you may use the NHF Benefits Search to check whether your specific medication is among the 18 drug labels receiving an increased subsidy.
Continue taking your medication as prescribed and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your treatment.
For more information about the NHFCard, including how to apply, visit the NHFCard webpage.
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