"The government believes that medicines have become too expensive and is passing the costs on to those who need them," says Lindestam in a written comment.
"The outrage over the proposal is significant. The sick and the elderly are the wrong groups to save on," she continues.
The Swedish Pensioners' Association calls it a slap in the face for the elderly and chronically ill.
"Now it's the thickness of your wallet that determines whether you can pick up your medicines or not," says federation chairman Liza di Paolo-Sandberg.
Disability Rights Sweden (an umbrella organization for people with psychological, physical, or intellectual disabilities) believes that the deteriorated high-cost protection risks negatively affecting public health.
"It's outrageous and unacceptable that the government completely ignores the criticism from the groups that will be hardest hit by the increased costs," says chairman Nicklas Mårtensson.
"Why should sick people who need medicines be punished? It's already difficult for many to make ends meet today," he continues.
The Rheumatism Association is "disappointed and surprised".
"The savings the government thinks it's making will soon be eaten up and turned into huge costs when people can no longer afford to pick up their medicines," says federation chairman Lotta Håkansson.
