Most Plus readers believe that vitamin D should be reimbursed for everyone who needs it, according to a statement on PlusOnline. But a third come to the conclusion that paying yourself is better. Read the reactions here.
No fewer than 3641 people responded to the statement ‘Vitamin D must be reimbursed’. The subject is therefore alive among Plus readers. Not surprising, because many over-50s and all over-70s are advised to take vitamin D daily. We almost all have to pay for it ourselves these days. Vitamin D is not expensive, only 7.30 euros per year. When reimbursed by the health insurance on prescription, the costs rise enormously to as much as 79 euros per year. If we pay those few euros ourselves, it will save society 129 million euros. But is it right that we have to pay for it ourselves?
Bone decalcification
‘Vitamin D prevents many health care costs such as bone fractures and their aftermath’, warns Marianne Brok. Failure to reimburse can therefore mean that healthcare becomes more expensive. In addition: people over 70 often already have a lot of medical costs. I Bosmans therefore responds to the statement: ‘Definitely reimburse vitamin D, because I already pay € 100 per month for medicines as a personal contribution in addition to my deductible.’
There are also people who take vitamin D in combination with calcium, against bone loss, or who need vitamin D in a disease such as SLE. The bill with them can rise considerably, so they calculate. The Zorginstituut has tried to have these groups reimbursed for vitamin D, but that turned out to be impracticable.
You also pay for toothpaste yourself
Others react laconically, writing: ‘We’ve been paying for this ourselves for quite some time.’ Stef adds: ‘Vitamin C and toothpaste are also beneficial for our health. Should this also be reimbursed?’ One of the reasons that the minister wants people to pay for vitamin D themselves is that it will be ten times more expensive at the pharmacy than if you pay for it yourself. Miny Nales was given vitamin D after a wrist fracture: ‘The more expensive prescription pills also came with pharmacy costs. I then stopped and went to HEMA for vitamin D. Pills through the health insurance increase your deductible, but also ensure that the premium increases in the long run. If we are all more frugal, there will be more left for really expensive pills or medical care.’
Read further
Here is the package advice from the National Health Care Institute, which Minister Ernst Kuipers based on. With a lot of information on this matter: https://www.zorginstituutnederland.nl/publicaties/adviezen/2022/05/09/pakketadvies-vitamine-d