Worthwhile to follow medicine expenses

If you have bought a lot of prescription medication this year, it is worthwhile to check the amount built up from the amounts that you have paid yourself. The copayments in connection with the reimbursements for medicine expenses will be reset to zero at year-end.

Last year, about 280,000 persons exceeded the annual maximum limit on out-of-pocket medicine expenses, and this year even more people will exceed the annual maximum. In 2023, the annual maximum is set at 592,16 euros. If you reach the annual maximum, you only pay a 2.50 euro copayment for each reimbursable medicine for the rest of the year.

If you exceed the annual maximum, the pharmacy will get information about this directly from Kela. You can also yourself follow how your annual maximum builds up in OmaKela.

You should note that the annual maximum concerns the calendar year, which means that the build-up will be reset to zero at year-end. If you have exceeded the annual maximum, you should use the option of receiving additional reimbursement for the medicine expenses for the rest of the year.

Also remember that the reimbursements for medicine expenses also have an initial deductible. This means that every year you pay for your medicines yourself up to the amount of 50 euros, and only after that can you get reimbursement for your medicine expenses from Kela.

Read more: Annual maximum limit on out-of-pocket costs