The number of services covered under the exceptional medical expenses act (AWBZ) is to be sharply reduced, bringing savings of €800m by 2010, the cabinet agreed on Friday.
The cost of staying a convalescent home for people leaving hospital will be shifted to the ordinary health insurance system.

The changes mean only long-term care for people who cannot look after themselves at all will be covered by the AWBZ insurance scheme.
Other care currently funded by the AWBZ, such paying for someone to accompany an elderly person to go to the shops, will no longer be covered.