Kela's pilot study on credit for medicine costs

The Government of Prime Minister Orpo has granted funding to Kela for piloting social lending for reimbursements of medicine costs. The pilot study is linked to the Government Programme entry on dividing the annual maximum limit on out-of-pocket medicine costs into parts. Kela has been entrusted with establishing the design and implementation of the pilot and the study included in it. The study is included in the funding granted to Kela.

The aim of the Kela credit pilot is to help customers pay for the annual out-of-pocket medicine costs. In the pilot, the annual maximum limit on out-of-pocket medicine costs is divided into smaller parts on more specific conditions. The pilot focuses on low-income earners who are not entitled to social assistance. According to Kela’s preliminary estimates, the credit will apply to approximately 5,000 people over a three-year period.

The project examines the impacts and effectiveness of the piloted measure from the perspectives of, e.g. the customer, the implementation and the objectives set for the pilot at different levels. As the practical development of the pilot progresses, the study design will be adjusted by means of co-creation with representatives of Kela’s expert community and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The methods include quantitative register studies using econometric and quasi-experimental methods and qualitative interviews with benefit administrators. Clients’ perspective will be examined by means of a survey, where possible.

The study primarily produces information to support policymaking. The results also provide new data on the financial impacts that healthcare costs have on households.

Researchers

• Iiro Ahomäki, Leading Researcher
• Hanna Rättö
• Katri Aaltonen
• Pekka Heino
• Hanna Koskinen

Project Implementation Period

1.12.2025–31.12.2028

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