Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen announced significant changes to the government’s plan to increase reimbursements for private health care appointments. Instead of a blanket increase, the new proposal targets specific areas of preventative health care to improve access to services not readily available in the public sector.
The revised plan includes raising reimbursements for appointments with gynaecologists and ophthalmologists, as well as introducing reimbursements for appointments with physiotherapists and dental hygienists. These changes, managed through the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela), are set to be implemented in April 2025.
Furthermore, the government plans to introduce a pilot program that enables older individuals to access private health care services at the same cost as public services, with a maximum price limit to prevent price increases. These adjustments aim to address criticisms about the current reimbursement system, which was deemed ineffective in reducing waiting times and primarily benefiting high-income earners.
The government’s allocation of 335 million euros for private health care reimbursements until 2027 reflects its commitment to improving access to essential health services in Finland.