Unmet need for and barriers to receiving health care and social welfare services in Finland

<b>A considerable share of the Finnish population do not receive essential services according to need and face barriers in accessing services. Individual characteristics are associated with perceived unmet need and access barriers despite the ethos of equal opportunities. COVID-19 measures are likely to have worsened the situation. Actions to improve access must urgently be implemented to achieve the policy goals of health promotion, equity in health and universalism.</b>