Anticipatory pensions and transitional financial support are arrangements to enable older employees to leave the labour market, which among other things should stimulate employment for younger people. People aged 60-66 are eligible for anticipatory pension. Premiums are awarded to those who postpone their anticipatory pension from 60 to 62. In 1998 the numbers covered by these activation and retirement provisions were equivalent to about 300,000 full-time participants. The official health insurance covers all expenses for general and specialist medical care, part expenses for treatment by dentists, chiropractors etc. and for medicine.
General practitioners provide treatment or refer patients to a specialist or hospital.
The hospital system is run by the counties. Hospital treatment is free and, since 1993, patients have had free choice of hospital. After a reference from a doctor, free home nursing care is available so that patients can stay in their own homes during illness. The local authority dental care for children and young people is free. For those employed in the public sector, the maximum pensionable age is 70.