In its meeting on 27 January, the Government decided on health insurance coverage for Covid-19 vaccines provided by private occupational healthcare. The Government also discussed the safe entry of seasonal workers and received a briefing on the pandemic-related legislation and government proposals currently in preparation.
According to the government communications department, the Health Insurance Act will be amended so that vaccinations received through occupational healthcare can be reimbursed by Kela. The costs of reimbursement would be paid from state funds. However, the amount of the reimbursement will be decided later.
The state is responsible for procuring the vaccine, while municipalities are responsible for its distribution. Travel costs related to vaccinations provided by both public and private healthcare services would also be reimbursed. The Government will submit a proposal on the reimbursement to Parliament in February.
Seasonal workers
The Government also discussed the safe entry of foreign seasonal workers in agriculture and forestry during the upcoming growing season. The Government aims to ensure the availability of seasonal workers who are critical for security of supply.
Employers will receive guidelines on safe entry and quarantine. The Government will decide on the conditions for entry once the guidelines are complete.
The Government received an overview of the status of legislation related to the Covid-19 pandemic and held a preliminary discussion on their further preparation.
