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KELA reimbursement of blood pressure medication in diabetes

The criteria for the entitlement to special reimbursement for blood pressure medication are different from the medical criteria for commencing medication.

Hypertension treatment in accordance with the treatment recommendations entitles you to the basic reimbursement for blood pressure medication (40%). Most people with diabetes use blood pressure medication with the basic reimbursement.

It is possible to apply for the special reimbursement for hypertension medication granted by Kela (65%), if your blood pressure is higher than the limit of severe hypertension before the start of medication. The special reimbursement is granted according to the severity of hypertension subject to variable blood pressure levels.

As a person with diabetes, you are entitled to special reimbursement, if your diastolic pressure is at least 95 mmHg or your systolic pressure is at least 160 mmHg before the start of medication. As it is important to treat even slightly high blood pressure in a person with diabetes, medication normally starts already at a lower level. In this case, the hypertension medication is subject to Kela’s basic reimbursement.

If you have diabetes and you permanently have protein in urine or an advanced kidney disease, the special reimbursement can be granted subject to a specialist’s certificate exclusive of a blood pressure limit.

For the special reimbursement application, the attending physician will write a B certificate verifying that the requirements are met and presenting a care plan. Once Kela has made a decision regarding the reimbursement, a new Kela card will be sent to the home address. The card includes a number (205) entitling you to reimbursement.

Updated 30.9.2023