– We are now removing the deductible for LAR patients. There has been uncertainty and different practices in the service. Not having a deductible helps to remove a barrier, so I am very happy to be able to say that today, says Health Minister Ingvild Kjerkol (Ap). At a gathering in Oslo for professionals in the field of addiction, the minister today released the news that LAR patients will not have to pay for the treatment. On Wednesday afternoon, LAR patient Norman Skjæveland turned up for his regular LAR treatment in Stavanger. For him, it is a big surprise that the deductible falls away. – I am very pleased, and so happy on behalf of all other drug addicts. Now they can get help and not struggle to get treatment, he says. Skjæveland is fully aware that the follow-up he receives is vital. – I would have died without LAR treatment. I have told that to the therapists as well. As long as I go here, I manage to stay focused and I get the help I need. This is LAR Drug-assisted rehabilitation, also called LAR, is a nationwide treatment program for people who are addicted to opioids, most often heroin. The aim of the treatment is to increase the quality of life of the users and reduce the number of overdoses. The patients undergoing rehabilitation receive morphine-like drugs, either methadone or buprenorphine. Through LAR, the patients will also receive financial guidance and help to find a place to live. There are 8,198 patients in LAR as of 2021. Source: FHI/SERAF/Helse Stavanger Changes regulations In practical terms, the government is now amending the regulations and removing the rule that makes it possible for hospitals to take payment for LAR patients. – We think it was right to change the regulations. It is also a correct priority that LAR treatment should not have a deductible, and I am very happy that we are using that money to remove it now, says Kjerkol. Ever since its inception over 20 years ago, treatment at Drug-Assisted Treatment (LAR) for drug addicts has been free. But in recent years, several hospitals have introduced a deductible of NOK 375 per consultation for these LAR patients. But many cannot afford it, and therefore drop out of the treatment. LAR patient Skjæveland says the last few days have been difficult. – There are many of us who are struggling financially and had to cut back on treatment. Then it gets heavy. An addict alone with his brain, that’s the worst combination. Norman Skjæveland and treats Lene Endresen at the LAR office in Stavanger. Photo: Elise Pedersen / news Got the A4 life she dreamed of – This is obviously very gratifying. We are very pleased that the government is taking this very seriously. That’s what Jan Gunnar Skoftedalen says, head of the Professional Council, which is the drug field’s main organisation. – What does it mean for the LAR patients? – It will save many lives, and make many lives better. This is the group of patients who benefit most from the exemption from deductibles. The government invests the funds where they have the greatest effect, he says. Klara Veronika Tobiassen believes LAR has changed her life. Photo: Thomas Ystrøm / news Klara Veronika Tobiassen has received LAR treatment for several years. She says she has never felt as good as now. – I have a stable life with a job, flat, training, a large drug-free network and contact with my daughter. I have the A4 life I dreamed of, she says. When the deductible was introduced, Tobiassen continued with the therapy sessions. But she was unable to pay for the treatment. – The economy is extremely tight. It is absolutely fantastic that the deductible will now disappear, she says. – What will A4’s life be like now? – It will be quite “nice”. I can pay off my debt faster, treat myself to a movie and buy new running shoes. I don’t have to lie awake at night thinking about the deductibles. It feels like a stone has fallen out of my chest, says Tobiassen. LAR patient Klara Veronika Tobiassen has a lot of restlessness in her body, but feels that she is able to relax when she can sit down to draw things. Photo: Thomas Ystrøm / news Will not stand in the way of LAR patients The drug organizations had a meeting with the government earlier this spring. The government then promised a quick solution, but pointed out that the case triggered a dilemma about discrimination against other patient groups. The three largest patient organizations in this country, FFO, LHL and the Cancer Society, have subsequently come out and supported that this patient group should be exempted from deductibles for treatment. – As a patient organisation, we certainly do not want to stand in the way of other patient groups getting the best possible help, says Frode Jahren, secretary general of LHL. The LAR office in Stavanger is delighted that the deductible will disappear. Back from left: Hanne Hovland, May Helen Mitchell, Kristin Dyvik, Solveig Reinertsen, Tone Egelandsdal, Bente Sikveland, Elisabeth Wagner and Umar Andersen. Seated in front are Lena K. Endresen and Lene M. Gimnes. Photo: Elise Pedersen / news
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Now the LAR patients get free treatment – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
