The Effects of the Changes in the Special Reimbursement Rate of Type 2 Diabetes Medicines on the Use of Diabetes Medicines and Take-Up of Social Assistance

Published 1.10.2017Edited 23.12.2025

In the beginning of 2017, the special reimbursement rate of Type 2 diabetes medicines was lowered from the higher special reimbursement category with a reimbursement rate of 100% to the lower special reimbursement category with a reimbursement rate of 65%. This study examines how changing the reimbursement category of diabetes medicines has affected the use of medicines among individuals with Type 2 diabetes. In addition, we study the trends in the share of medicine costs covered by social assistance among those with Type 2 diabetes following the 2017 reform and compare them to the trends seen in social-assistance-supported medicine purchases among suitable control populations. The study uses Kela’s register data from 2010–2022.

Researchers

Project Implementation Period

1.10.2017–31.12.2023. The project has ended.

Cooperation Partners

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (stm.fi)

Project Results

This project examined the impact of the reduction in the reimbursement rate for type 2 diabetes medications on the use of the medications and basic social assistance based on register data.

The results show that the reduction in the reimbursement rate led to a decrease in the average consumption of type 2 diabetes medications across the country. In addition, the use of pharmacy vouchers granted as part of social assistance became more common in the purchase of type 2 diabetes medications. The reduction in the reimbursement rate did not apply to insulins, and before the change was made, there were concerns that a reduction in the reimbursement rate for type 2 diabetes medicines would lead to a switch to insulin therapy in patients whose treatment did not necessitate it. However, the study showed no increase in the average insulin consumption, and the impact of the change in reimbursement rate was not observed to have resulted in variation in the initiation of insulin therapy based on the patient’s income level.