The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities says that bills sent to users of health, social and other services should show clearly how much they cost the municipality -- along with the fraction of this paid out-of-pocket by local residents.
The city of Espoo, just outside Helsinki, is already doing this on day-care fee statements. Rovaniemi and Helsinki are considering similar measures.
Helsinki Deputy Mayor Paula Kokkonen has proposed that health care bills should show the real costs. Espoo may begin doing so next autumn. From then on, statements may show figures such as 8,000 euros for hip surgery or 100,000 euros for a liver or heart transplant.
Finnish municipal health centres charge a minimal annual fee for regular users. For instance Helsinki charges 13.70 euros for at least three visits during a year. However many services are free, including pre- and post-natal services and cancer screenings. There is also no fee for those under 18 or war veterans.
