The own risk element in the basic healthcare package is set to go up from €220 to €350 from next year, after efforts from opposition MPs failed to halt the legislation’s progress.

The increase is one of a package of measures which the government hopes will cut the budget deficit to below 3% of GDP, in line with eurozone monetary union rules.
Socialist and PVV parliamentarians had attempted to talk out the bill so it would not be dealt with before the September 12 general election. However, their prepared speeches and delaying tactics, including reading out hundreds of emails and letters from worried patients, failed to take up enough time.

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