Cost of Illness of Multiple Sclerosis in Albania

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost of illness of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Albania from both the payer perspective, including the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and hospital budgets, and the societal perspective.

METHODS: The total direct annual costs for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS patients, paid by the NHIF and hospital budget, in Albania were calculated. Indirect costs were calculated as the total annual loss of income due to MS-related work incapacity using severe disability focus approach and rapid progression impact approach. Total costs, as the sum of the direct and indirect costs, represent the financial burden of the MS in Albania. Data from the year 2023 was used, with costs presented in euros.

RESULTS: In 2023, 145 (15,71%) out of the 923 reported MS patients in Albania received active treatment. The total DMTs costs for 2023 were €1 410 192,37. Using the severe disability focus approach, the total annual loss due to MS-related work incapacity is €2 025 902,77, resulting in a total financial burden of €3 436 095,14. Economic loss from MS-related work incapacity exceeds annual treatment costs by €615 710,40. The rapid progression impact approach estimated that untreated patients could incur €11 421 397,88 annually in lost productivity due to work incapacity, making the total economic burden €12 831 590,25. This reveals a significant imbalance as economic loss from MS-related work incapacity surpasses direct treatment costs by €10 011 205,51. Improving treatment access for untreated patients could generate approximately €11 million in annual financial benefits.

CONCLUSIONS:

The economic impact of indirect costs associated with MS treatment in Albania surpasses direct costs, with €14 680,46 per individual in financial losses for untreated MS. Investing in MS treatment is economically justified, as it significantly mitigates these losses. Increasing treatment access could reduce financial burden and improve patient outcomes.