Läkemedelsförmåner

Läkemedelsförmåner is a Swedish term that translates to "drug benefits" or "pharmaceutical benefits" in English. It refers to the system in Sweden where certain prescribed medicines are subsidized by the state, meaning patients pay a reduced price. This system aims to ensure that essential medications are accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

The pharmaceutical benefits system is managed by Försäkringskassan, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Patients typically pay a co-payment for their medication, with the remaining cost covered by the state. There are also high-cost protection schemes in place, which limit the total amount an individual has to pay for prescribed medicines within a certain period, typically a year. Once a patient reaches a certain spending threshold, further medications are provided free of charge for the rest of that period.

The specific drugs included in the Läkemedelsförmåner system are determined by Tandvårds- och läkemedelsförmånsverket (TLV), the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency. TLV evaluates new medicines based on their medical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and what other treatments are available. Only medicines that meet TLV's criteria are eligible for state subsidies. This system is a key component of Sweden's universal healthcare approach, ensuring that pharmaceutical treatments are a right rather than a privilege.