Law changes for 2018 so far: Healthcare

With the new year starting, the Dutch government is implementing a number of new laws and changing some existing ones. Below is an explanation of changes to the law applying to health and healthcare.

The maximum care allowance is increasing as of January 1st, 2018. For single people the maximum allowance increases by 73 euros to 1,139 euros, and for couples by 79 euros to 2,121 euros.

Basic health insurance packages are expanding next year. From next year people with osteoarthritis in their hip and knee joints will be compensated for the first 12 treatments of exercise therapy. Cancer patients receiving immunotherapy will be reimbursed for transportation to and from the treatment. Care for children that is related to the medical care that a child needs - for example, help with washing and taking medication - will always be reimbursed from the basic insurance package. Care children need to perform general life activities, like eating and dressing, remains covered by the Youth Act. The government advices policy holders to check with their insurer on exactly what their policy covers.

On January 1st the rules regarding the financing for caring for sick or disabled children at home is changing. Part of this responsibility will transfer from the municipality to the health insurer. This only applies to care for children, other forms of aid like counseling and nursing remain the same. Children and families may see some changes in home care if the child currently receives care from the Youth Act and the care is linked to medical care, this applies both to care that the municipality organizes and pays for and care paid for from a personal health care budget. The majority of children for whom something will change in the new year are currently receiving nursing at home, and it mostly concerns children who have a physical disorder. More information can be found here.Parents can also contact their pediatric nurse or contact person at their municipality for more information and to find out if their situation will change.

From next year only registered medicines and homeopathic medicines, with a marketing authorization, will fall under the reduced VAT rate of 6 percent. Products such as toothpaste, shampoo, and sunscreen fall under the normal VAT rate of 21 percent.