Cancer groups warn of unequal access after Kela subsidy change

Finnish cancer patient organisations have raised concerns over unequal access to treatment after the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) stopped reimbursing certain expensive cancer drugs when administered in public healthcare.

According to a report by Helsingin Sanomat, Kela ended reimbursements for some high-cost medications at the start of July if they are dispensed in public healthcare settings. The change shifts the financial burden to financially struggling well-being regions.

Cancer groups fear the decision may now tie patients’ access to treatment more closely to their financial means. The change does not affect drugs administered in private healthcare or reimbursement decisions made before July.

Medical journal Lääkärilehti noted the adjustment means Kela will not cover the cost of a drug if the patient cannot self-administer it.