Economic security of the population of retirement age and the role of health insurance benefits
The study looks at the build-up of economic security of the population aged 65 or over from various sources of income and the role of social security benefits (other than pensions) paid by Kela in the overall economic security of the elderly population, as well as the differences between population groups (gender, age group, type of household, region). In addition, the impact of illness and health expenditure on the economic security of old-age pensioners is evaluated, as well as the significance of the support received through the national health insurance scheme (reimbursements paid through Kela) for the coverage of health expenditure.
The data consists of Kela's population and benefit registers and a large set of data containing register data from Kela, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Finnish Centre for Pensions and Statistics Finland for the years 2010-2025/2026 used in the remote access environment of Statistics Finland. Descriptive methods and suitable statistical multivariate methods (regression, logistical regression) are used as research methods.
The study produces up-to-date data on the economic security of the population of retirement age and its challenges. Although earnings-related pensions provide economic security for the population of retirement age, the economic security of many pensioner households will continue to depend on social and health security that complements the pension. Illness and the costs of using healthcare services represent a significant income risk for many pensioner households, which is only partly offset by different income transfers.
Researchers
- Anneli Miettinen, Principal Investigator
- Anna Grahn
Duration of the project
1.9.2026–31.12.2028
