“Just make sure that the doctor you choose is participating in the pilot study on freedom of choice in healthcare,” the benefits agency says.
People who have reached the age of 65 can go to a private physician at a reduced cost, even if they are outside of their municipality of residence this summer, benefits agency Kela has announced.
Last week, the social affairs and health ministry proposed to extend its so-called freedom of healthcare trial offering 65-and-ups private medical appointments at the cost of a public healthcare visit. The cost difference is paid by Kela, while the trial was launched last September.
Now, Kela has announced that this summer, seniors can use the benefit in other parts of the country, regardless of where they usually live.
“Just make sure that the doctor you choose is participating in the pilot study on freedom of choice in healthcare,” Kela said in a press release on Monday.
“You only pay the local user fee charged by public healthcare providers for each of the three appointments you get per calendar year. If the doctor orders examinations or tests included in the pilot study, you will also get them at a lower price,” the agency explained.
However, the hybrid arrangement is only available in about one-third of the country’s municipalities. The services are more available in Southern Finland and larger cities. However, Kela said private physicians in many smaller municipalities are also taking part in the pilot programme.
The agency has posted an explanation about the trial.
