Investigator Appointed to Propose Dental Care Reform to Prioritize Elderly Health
An investigator has been appointed to produce a proposal for a dental care reform that aims to strengthen high-cost protection, making it more similar to healthcare services. The primary focus of this reform is to prioritize the dental health of the elderly population.
The special investigator, Martin Färnsten, has been given a deadline of October 31, 2024, to complete the proposal. The goal is for the reform to come into effect at the turn of the year 2025/26.
The dental reform is included in the Tidö Agreement and has been spearheaded by the Sweden Democrats. One of the key aspects the investigator will address is the removal of current rules that allow asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants to receive emergency dental care for SEK 50. The Sweden Democrats believe this provision is deeply unfair and is determined to rectify the situation.
Linda Lindberg, the Sweden Democrats group leader in the Riksdag, stated, “We think it is deeply unfair, now we are trying to put this right.” By proposing changes to these rules, the aim is to create a more equitable system.
Additionally, the dental reform will involve removing free dental care offered to individuals aged 19-23 in 2025, which is already included in the government’s budget bill.
However, Minister of Social Affairs, Forssmed, emphasized that while the focus is on prioritizing the oral health of the elderly, the investigator must also present a proposal that can be scaled up to benefit other parts of the population.
The cost of implementing the dental care reform is yet to be determined. During the 2022 election campaign, the Sweden Democrats estimated the cost to be seven billion kroner.
This dental care reform holds significant implications for the elderly population and aims to improve their access to necessary dental treatments. As the proposal takes shape, the hope is to develop a comprehensive and inclusive system that balances the needs of different demographics within the population.