The care reform clearly stated that the person's home municipality must cover the costs of care workers. The person themselves covers the remaining costs. The Chancellor of Justice inspected Räpina municipality, where the maximum care cost is 540 euros per month per person.
Räpina municipality has set a maximum limit for care costs that is too low. This means that a person entering a nursing home must, contrary to the law, pay the workers' costs themselves. There are many people in Räpina municipality who need nursing home services.
The chairman of Räpina municipal council, Enel Liin, said that the problems began at the start of the care reform. The state calculated fewer service recipients in Räpina than there actually were. Liin said that the municipality supports its residents with social benefits.
Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise emphasized that the maximum limit for care costs must comply with the law. The limit must not be too low to cover the workers' costs. Liin said that the municipality's income is low and they have to consider the needs of other sectors as well.
Liin promised to revisit the issue in August when budget expenses have been clarified. The Chancellor of Justice said that if the municipality does not fulfill its legal obligations, they can turn to the court.