Thinking About Payment Matters?
Why Are Client Fees Charged?
Fees charged by the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia are based on the Act on Client Charges in Healthcare and Social Welfare, the Decree on Client Charges in Healthcare and Social Welfare, as well as decisions made by the Regional Government. The Act specifies the maximum amounts for service fees, which are reviewed and updated annually.
Client fees help cover part of the cost of providing services. In 2024, we estimate collecting approximately 50 million euros in client fees, which is only a fraction of the wellbeing services county’s funding. The rest, about 786 million euros, is provided by the state.
What Is a Payment Cap?
Client fees have a defined maximum amount, or payment cap, which in 2024 is 762 euros per calendar year. If you use services extensively, keep all invoices to track your payments. Fees for services referred to university hospitals are also included in the payment cap.
The payment cap does not include, among others, laboratory and imaging tests based on private doctor referrals, social welfare services, and fully private services not organized by the wellbeing services county.
When you reach the payment cap, contact the wellbeing services county’s patient and client ledger to verify your payments. Contact information is available on the invoices sent to you. A free card, which exempts you from certain patient fees, will be issued by the social welfare or healthcare unit where you received treatment when the cap was reached. The card will be mailed to you.
Why Does a Remote Consultation Cost Money?
Remote consultations replace traditional visits, allowing you to discuss your health with a professional over the phone or via video at a scheduled time. The cost reflects the time and content of the service provided by the professional.
Remote consultations are used in both primary and specialized healthcare, and they are becoming more common. These consultations contribute to the healthcare payment cap in the same way as traditional visits.
General and anonymously provided health advice, care needs assessment chats, or symptom assessments completed online are not considered chargeable remote consultation services.
Can I Extend My Invoice’s Payment Deadline?
Yes, you can request an extension by contacting the billing phone number listed on the invoice before the due date.
Who Should I Contact If There’s an Error in My Invoice?
If you notice factual or billing errors in your invoice, contact the unit where you received care or services. They can verify what treatments or services you received and what should appear on the invoice.
Can Social Welfare and Healthcare Fees Be Reduced?
Certain flat-rate healthcare fees, such as outpatient clinic visits, oral healthcare fees, temporary home nursing, and extended hospital care fees cannot be reduced or waived. However, social welfare fees and income-based healthcare fees can be reduced or waived on a case-by-case basis if they endanger your family’s livelihood. You can apply for a reduction or waiver using a form available on our website under the Client and Patient Fees section. The form requires you to detail, among others, your own and your spouse’s income, expenses, and assets. This section of the website is currently available only in Finnish and Swedish.