The constant evolution of high-priced hospital drugs with large uncertainties are increasingly challenging the sustainability of many healthcare reimbursement systems. Consequently, more attention is paid to exploring innovative payment and reimbursement models that may contribute to sustainable healthcare funding mechanisms yet still ensure timely patient access to health intervention. However, more insight is needed into the experiences of stakeholders involved in making payment and reimbursement arrangements as they may play an essential part in successfully implementing innovative reimbursement and payment models in the future.

Between May and July 2021, a survey was sent out to Dutch stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in payment and reimbursement agreements. The survey questioned the current use of and future preferences for reimbursement and payment models for high priced hospital drugs using Likert scales. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Our inquiry shows that currently financial-based reimbursement models are applied most often, especially discounts due to their simplicity. In the future, outcome-based reimbursement models are preferred more, particularly pay-for-outcome. The main challenge for implementation is generating evidence in practice.

Upfront payment is currently the most frequently applied payment model, according to the respondents, whereas delayed payment models are preferred to be applied more often. Particularly payment at outcome-achieved models are preferred but they can be administratively difficult to arrange.

The respondents are moderately satisfied with the payment and reimbursing system in the Netherlands, arguing that especially transparency about the final agreement and mutual trust could be improved.

Despite the preference healthcare payers have for using outcome-based reimbursement models and delayed payment models, currently they are rarely applied. The insights from our survey can provide Dutch stakeholders with future direction when implementing innovative reimbursement and payment models. Attention should be paid to which barriers are currently perceived and how policy structures can facilitate implementation. Further research should focus on exploring which combinations of reimbursement and payment models are most likely to be successful in the Netherlands.