What is a Discount Agreement (Pharma)?
A discount agreement (German: Rabattvertrag) is a contract between a statutory health insurer (GKV) and a pharmaceutical company for drug price discounts under § 130a para. 8 SGB V. Through competitive tendering, insurers secure favorable conditions while contract partners gain preferred market access.
How It Works
- Health insurer tenders active substances through procurement procedures
- Pharma companies offer discounts on manufacturer price
- 1-3 companies receive the award per active substance
- Pharmacies must dispense the discounted drug (substitution obligation)
- Contract partners have de facto exclusive market access
Economic Significance
Annual volume exceeds EUR 5 billion, covering over 80% of all GKV prescriptions. Typical contract duration is 2 years with extension options.
Current Developments
- ALBVVG (2023): Diversification requirement (min. 2 awards per lot)
- Stricter supply and stockpiling obligations
- Bonus for EU-manufactured active substances
Patterno Helps
Patterno-HIT monitors all GKV discount contract tenders. Patterno-BID for Pharma automates comparison of contract terms and supports margin calculation.