The amount of payment varies widely according to region, since municipalities are responsible for supplementing financial resources and thus lowering costs for users. Individuals are free to hire their own carers and by-pass the public system. The NHS provides beds for geriatric services. Attendance allowance is available for the frail or disabled themselves. Invalidity Care Allowance is available only to caregivers of disabled persons.
Caregivers have no additional entitlements to social assistance compared to other citizens.
There are still long waiting lists for hospital care. Effects of these controls are controversial. The Health Care is funded mainly by the government. Regional Health Authorities administer and finance family health services and provide funds for District Health Authorities, which finance hospitals. General practitioners may negotiate directly with hospitals.