This is not a desirable decision, but it is a necessary decision, says Health Minister Acko Ankarberg Johansson (KD) at a press conference.
The government and the Sweden Democrats are in agreement on the proposal and are now presenting a bill.
From July 1, the amount that patients themselves pay for prescription medication will be increased from 2,900 kronor per year and person to 3,800. An increase of 900 kronor or 30 percent. It is the largest increase in twelve years.
Lower discount
The amounts within the so-called high-cost threshold will also be increased in each step. Additionally, the discount in the first step will be reduced, so that the patient pays 75 percent, instead of 50 percent, of the cost.
The free card will still apply from 7,117 kronor. Approximately one-fifth of all those who collect medication reach this level.
The criticism from the referral bodies has been harsh and widespread. One concern is that people with low incomes will not be able to afford, or will not want to, collect medication due to having to pay more themselves.
The government motivates the increase by stating that the state's share of the cost of high-cost protection has increased much more than patients' own fees.
It is obvious that this will not be well received by anyone, having to pay higher fees. It is still the government's and parliament's task to weigh how we should handle both increased medication costs and fees in the system, says Ankarberg Johansson.
She says it is necessary to ensure that the free card continues to apply for those with very high costs.
"There are risks"
Several authorities have warned that if chronically ill people feel they cannot afford to collect their medication, it may lead to increased costs for healthcare elsewhere.
Those risks exist, says the Health Minister, but simultaneously emphasizes that Sweden today ranks lowest when it comes to elderly people refraining from healthcare or medication due to economic reasons.
It is precisely this development we need to follow – do we maintain it, that people continue to collect their medication, or does the development that several referral bodies highlight occur?
The Social Democrats, the Left Party, and the Green Party will vote no to the proposal, but the government and the Sweden Democrats have a majority in parliament for the deterioration.
If the government can afford to lower taxes for high-income earners, it can afford to ensure that ordinary people can afford to collect their medication, says Karin Rågsjö, spokesperson for the Left Party on healthcare issues.
Today, a person pays at most 2,900 kronor for prescription medication under a twelve-month period.
The government proposes that the amount – the fee – be increased by 900 kronor, to 3,800 kronor on July 1.
The high-cost protection threshold means that a medication cost of up to 2,000 kronor is paid entirely by the individual.
Medication cost of 2,001-3,586 kronor: 25 percent discount.
Medication cost of 3,587-5,300 kronor: 75 percent discount.
Medication cost of 5,301-7,117 kronor: 90 percent discount.
7,117 kronor or more: Free card. Then the individual, after the discount steps, has paid 3,800 kronor of the amount, compared to 2,900 today.
