Swedish Government Unveils Landmark Dental Care Reform for Seniors
The Swedish government reveals a major dental care reform for seniors, offering significant financial relief.
- • The government allocates 3.4 billion kronor for dental care reform for seniors aged 67 and older.
- • Seniors will pay only 10% of dental costs, with the state covering 90%.
- • Concerns arise about a two-tier system affecting those just under 67.
- • The reform could be expanded to benefit younger age groups in the future.
Key details
On August 13, 2025, the Swedish government announced a significant dental care reform aimed at individuals aged 67 and older, involving an investment of 3.4 billion kronor as part of the Tidö Agreement with the Sweden Democrats. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed described the reform as the largest in over 20 years, designed to improve access to dental health for the elderly population.
Under the new proposal, seniors will only need to cover 10% of their dental costs, while the state will subsidize the remaining 90%. This marks a considerable reform compared to the previous system, where those under 67 benefited from a high-cost protection that subsidized 50% of costs between 3,000 and 15,000 SEK and 85% for costs exceeding 15,000 SEK. The government estimates that average out-of-pocket expenses for seniors will drop from 4,600 kronor to approximately 1,900 kronor starting January 1, 2026.
The reform aims to address the financial barriers that prevent many elderly individuals from seeking necessary dental care. Forssmed noted that many seniors with poor oral health are aware of their need for treatment but often hesitate due to financial constraints. However, this new scheme has raised concerns among critics regarding its potential to create a two-tier system. Some argue that individuals just under 67 may delay care to access the new benefits, contributing to inequalities in dental health access.
Additionally, Forssmed expressed concerns about private equity ownership within dental care, mentioning that prices at private clinics are often higher than those at public services. The government has indicated that this reform is the beginning, with discussions about potentially extending similar benefits to younger age groups in the future, indicating a willingness to adapt and improve Sweden's dental health landscape.
As the proposal moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on access to dental care among seniors and the potential repercussions for those who do not qualify for the new high-cost protection.