Swedes to pay more for healthcare

Swedes using the public healthcare system are currently required to pay fees up to 1,800 kronor per year. After that, the cost of all healthcare is covered by the state and local authorities.

Hägglund argues that the amount people can be asked to contribute has not been raised since 1999, so that in practice the state’s share of the cost has been rising. Raising the amount to 2,200 would in real terms take personal contributions back to the same level as in 1999.

The move to raise the amount is supported by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (Sveriges Kommuner och Landsting). Hägglund has not yet put forward a formal proposal, but said he expects to raise the issue in budget negotiations.