Kela implements budget cuts for rehabilitation services in Finland

From now on, some applicants for rehabilitation services will receive a negative decision, even if they meet the requirements set by Kela, Finland’s social insurance institution. Kela is implementing budget cuts due to the soaring costs associated with discretionary rehabilitation, which have increased significantly in the 2020s. According to Kela, the rise in client numbers and new rehabilitation formats have contributed to these escalating expenses, which were approximately 79 million euros in 2023.

In 2023, around 38,000 clients received discretionary rehabilitation, a notable increase from just over 22,000 in 2000. Despite ongoing growth in client numbers, funding levels have remained constant, barring adjustments for indexed changes, as emphasized by Heli Sampolahti-Hänninen, a Kela planner. The introduction of popular new services in the 2020s, such as the family rehabilitation program “Laku” and “Oma väylä” rehabilitation, has also driven costs up, as these services are individual-based and thus more expensive than group offerings.

Children under 16 years old accounted for nearly 30% of the costs in 2023, given that their services often involve family participation in adaptation training courses and family rehabilitation. The government has pledged additional support for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, with 25 million euros allocated for discretionary rehabilitation programs.

While additional funding allowed Kela to avoid client number restrictions in recent years, projections indicate that limitations will unfortunately be necessary for some rehabilitation services by 2025. However, clients will still have the option to reapply at the start of the next year. As demand continues, clients may face more negative responses toward the end of the year, as applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.