The availability of medicines in general

In Finland, medicines are generally reimbursed at a level of 42% of the cost of medicines. Nevertheless, for serious and chronic conditions, the reimbursement system lists a number of medicines for which the reimbursement can be 72% or 100% of the cost of medicines over the value of € 3 per product which the patient will need to cover out of his/her own funds.

Should the total pharmaceutical expenses of an individual exceed € 616.72 in a year, these costs are fully covered without participation by the patient.[1]

The availability of Alzheimer treatments

All anti-dementia drugs are available in Finland and are part of the reimbursement system. The reimbursement system does not provide a list of specific examinations to be carried out, but for Alzheimer treatments to be reimbursed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease must be established by a specialist who will carry out a thorough examination which often includes a CT or MRI scan. There are no upper or lower MMSE limits for the treatment with different anti-dementia drugs. Any doctor can prescribe Alzheimer treatments, but to be reimbursed, the prescription must be accompanied by a statement of a specialist doctor.

There are no restrictions as to the access of people living alone or in nursing homes to available Alzheimer treatments. In open wards, the normal reimbursement continues, whereas for formal institutional care, the institution will cover the cost of these medicines.

[1] European Commission (2006): MISSOC – Mutual information system on social protection : Social protection in the Member States of the European Union, of the European Economic Area and in Switzerland : Comparative tables