Annual General Meeting of the Kone Employee Fund for Staff members on Tuesday, April 29, 2025: Important Decisions and Participation Opportunity

KONE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND FOR STAFF MEMBERS

Dear EBF member,

The purpose of the Kone Employee Benefit Fund is to support you in taking care of your health and well-being by offering additional benefits alongside public and occupational health care. We are now in a situation where the Fund’s finances require corrective actions to ensure the continuity of benefits in the future.

This letter explains why financial balancing measures – and the rule changes required to implement them – are necessary. We hope you will support the proposed changes by voting in favor of them at the EBF’s spring meeting on 29 April 2025. That is why we want to share this background information with you in advance. These topics will also be reviewed at the meeting.

1. Rapid growth in the number of benefit users

In 2023, 3,800 members used Fund benefits. In 2024, that number rose to 4,444. As of early 2025, more than 4,900 members have already used benefits – and the year is not yet over. This means more reimbursements are being paid out. 

In 2025, the Fund has already paid about €100,000 more in additional benefits than the previous year.

2. Significant increases in public healthcare costs

In 2025, the Finnish government has decided to significantly raise the maximum amounts of social and healthcare client fees. This increase aims to cover a portion of social and healthcare costs through client fees. ​

As a result:

  • Public health care outpatient clinic fees are expected to increase by 45%, raising the Fund’s costs by approximately €27,466.
  • Hospital charges are increasing by 22.5%, with an impact of approximately €6,700.

3. General inflation increases service prices

Inflation has been 6–7% annually in recent years. This has increased the prices of both private and public health services, directly affecting the Fund’s expenses.

4. Membership fees have not been adjusted in years

Membership fees collected from insured members have not been increased since 2016, while healthcare costs have risen significantly.

5. Benefit levels were improved

In 2022, the compensation rates for additional benefits were increased to keep our services attractive. However, this also increased the financial burden on the Fund.

6. The Fund has been operating at a loss

  • In 2023, the Fund’s result was -€130,143.66.
  • In 2024, the result was -€168,543.43.

Options for balancing the Fund’s finances

Different options for correcting the situation will be discussed at the spring meeting. Below is a brief summary.

Option 1: Increase in membership fee and adjustment of compensation rates

This option combines a moderate increase in the membership fee with reasonable adjustments to benefit coverage. It enables the Fund to restore financial balance in the most equitable way possible.

  • Membership fee (section 8): €30 (+€1/month compared to the current level)
  • Compensation changes (sections 15.2, 15.4, 15.6):
  • Doctor’s fees: 70% (-5 percentage points)
  • Examinations and treatments: 70% (-5 percentage points)
  • Physiotherapy: 70% (-5 percentage points)
  • Public healthcare fees: 75% (currently reimbursed at 100%)

Option 2: Adjustment of compensation coverage without increasing the membership fee

This option focuses on reducing compensation levels across several benefit categories without changing the membership fee. The Fund could continue to operate with limited impact on insured members.

  • Compensation (sections 15.2, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6):
  • Doctor’s fees: 70% (-5 percentage points)
  • Examinations and treatments: 70% (-5 percentage points)
  • Physiotherapy: 70% (-5 percentage points)
  • Public healthcare fees: 75% (currently reimbursed at 100%)
  • Medications: 85% (currently reimbursed at 100% after Kela’s initial deductible)
  • Psychotherapy and psychological services: 70% (currently reimbursed at 100%)

Option 3: Increase in membership fee and minor benefit adjustments (Board’s proposal)

This is the simplest solution, where a membership fee increase allows the current level of benefits to be maintained almost entirely.

  • Membership fee (section 8): €31 (+€2/month compared to the current level)
  • Compensation (section 15.4):
  • Public healthcare fees: 75% (currently reimbursed at 100%)

 Rule changes are necessary – have your say at the Spring Meeting

Rule changes are essential to balance the Fund’s finances, secure benefits, and continue operations in a sustainable way. At the Spring Meeting, you will have the opportunity to influence how the Fund’s financial stability is ensured. You are welcome to participate in the discussion and vote on the proposed options – ensuring that decisions are made together and transparently.

The Insurance Fund’s official Spring Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 16:15 via Microsoft Teams.

Please register no later than Tuesday, 22 April 2025 by completing the registration form at:

https://link.webropol.com/s/kassankokous-kevat2025

The meeting link will be sent to registered participants during the week prior to the meeting. When registering, any proxies must also be submitted. A proxy template is available on the Insurance Fund’s website, where you can also find the official meeting invitation and the proposed rule changes.

Please note that although the meeting will be held in Finnish, this does not prevent you from registering and voting. By participating, you can still influence the decisions made.

Thank you warmly for your understanding and support!

Best regards,

Kone Employee Benefit Fund for Staff Members