The state comes under rehabilitation providers ire

Photo: Tairo Lutter

By mid-February, rehabilitation institutions were outright angry at National Social Insurance Board as the latter delayed with payments while failing to let them know they were having trouble. Even the related staff at the board was in the dark. 

«The payday was approaching, we had counted on the money coming, but the management of the board only undertook to explain as we begun to ask,» said rehabilitation institutions representative Ahti Kallaste.

«At the board, they knew for a week and a half. It’s not that they were late paying the bills – might happen with the new system launched (due to social reform – edit) – but why were we not let know?» asked an irritated Mr Kallaste. «It’s the attitude. Why don’t they talk to us, aren’t we partners?»

In his criticism, Mr Kallaste sees a bright spot in a needed filter now set to the otherwise hazy system with the case manager employed at social insurance board.

«For years we were saying that those in urgent need of rehabilitation after treatment cannot get it. Now, with preliminary assessment in place, the help should be better available for those in real need.»

According to the experience of the initial month, case managers sent at least every third individual to get help someplace else.

Including lots of pensioners who often do need no rehabilitation, said Mr Kallaste, but just to perk up.  

«I’ve told the people at the ministry that pensioners mostly need no rehabilitation, but something like s sanatorium package every two years where other people have their input and they can get away from home,» advised Mr Kallaste.

As to the upset, Mr Kallaste assures us they will not be acting ugly.

«That would not be professional, but it is awful hard to cooperate if we are not treated as partners.»

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The new rehabilitation order

• Rehabilitation is for those only whose health so requires.  
• Social rehabilitation is for children, adults totally incapable for work, and handicapped pensioners to improve coping with everyday life. The latter two now go via case manager at social insurance board.
• Professional rehabilitation is for working age partially capable people, as organised via unemployment insurance fund (the Töötukassa).