Massive rise in medication costs proposed by government

It will become significantly more expensive next year for people who regularly take medications. The so-called high-cost protection is proposed to increase substantially, meaning individuals will have to pay 900 kronor more than today before receiving a free card.

The government and the Sweden Democrats propose a significant increase in the high-cost protection threshold for medications. Archive photo.

The government and the Sweden Democrats propose a significant increase in the high-cost protection threshold for medications. Archive photo.

Foto: Janerik Henriksson/TT

Politik2024-12-18 09:00

This corresponds to a 30 percent increase and is the largest hike in twelve years.

The proposal from the government and the Sweden Democrats was announced in September during the presentation of the 2025 budget, though specific figures were not provided at that time. However, the details are now included in a memorandum sent out for consultation, with the government requesting feedback by February 17.

The proposal entails a significant increase in the threshold for free cards for prescription medications, starting July 1 next year. This represents the largest increase, approximately 30 percent, since 2012.

Currently, individuals must pay 2,850 kronor (2,900 kronor after an index adjustment at the turn of the year) out of pocket over a 12-month period before the state covers the entire cost. At that point, a free card is issued, and medications become free of charge.

After July 1 next year, individuals will need to pay 3,800 kronor for their medications before receiving a free card, according to the proposal.

The government justifies the increase by pointing out that the state’s share of the cost for high-cost protection has risen significantly more than patients' co-payments.

The proposal further states that individuals will bear 75 percent of the cost for medications priced between 2,000 and just under 3,600 kronor.