Participants in Medical Consultations: Acclaim and Controversy Following Streeck's Argument
In the heart of Germany's healthcare debate, key players are proposing various solutions to address rising expenditures. The GKV-Spitzenverband, a prominent healthcare association, has voiced its opposition to a proposal that would introduce patient co-payments for doctor visits. Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, the deputy chairperson of the GKV-Spitzenverband, criticizes the states for attempting to roll back the hospital reform with political pressure.
The Federal Drugs Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, has put forth a similar proposal, advocating for patient co-payments for doctor visits. However, his suggestion has not found favour with the GKV-Spitzenverband, which argues that it won't solve the structural problems in the healthcare system.
In a move to control healthcare spending, the GKV-Spitzenverband has proposed an expenditure moratorium, linking the spending of health insurance companies to their income. Meanwhile, Andreas Gassen, the chairman of the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), suggests that the services claimed by over three million working-age people not working should be co-financed in the statutory health insurance. Gassen asserts that this task is not for the contributors.
Hospitals are expected to spend around ten billion euros more this year compared to last year. This escalating cost has prompted Gassen to advocate for a discussion on the affordability of over three million working-age people not working in the statutory health insurance. The KBV chairman believes that there should be a broader discussion on rethinking financing options, including co-payment and self-financing models.
Amidst these proposals, the GKV-Spitzenverband has taken legal action against the federal government. The association has decided to sue the government for systematically underfunding the medical care of citizens receiving Bürgergeld. The GKV-Spitzenverband argues that the state's insufficient contributions shift the financial burden onto the 75 million insured and their employers, leading to higher contributions and economic disadvantages.
Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, board member of the GKV-Spitzenverband, emphasizes that statutory health insurance contributions fully finance care, including nursing care. She highlights the sharply rising healthcare expenditures and contribution rates, reflecting the increasing challenges in the German healthcare system up to 2025.
As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a solution to Germany's healthcare funding issues is a complex and contentious task. With various proposals on the table and legal action being taken, the future of the German healthcare system remains uncertain.
