Safety net: Out-of-pocket spending on covered services (i.e., 10 percent coinsurance) is capped at CHF700
(US$760) for adults and at CHF350 (US$380) for minors under 19 years of age in a given year. The
Confederation, or federal government, and the cantons provide income-based subsidies to individuals or
households to help cover SHI premiums; income thresholds vary by canton. Overall, 28.9 percent of residents
(2011) benefit from individual premium subsidies. Municipalities or cantons cover the health insurance
expenses of social-assistance beneficiaries and recipients of supplementary old age and disability benefits
(EL-AHV/IV).