The statutory health insurance companies are missing 17 billion euros for the year 2023. In order to close this gap, Minister of Health Lauterbach is planning to increase the insured contributions.
According to the Central Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV), the funds will be short of 17 billion euros for next year. And the insured will soon be able to feel this in their finances. In order to close this gap, Health Minister Lauterbach is planning, among other things, an increase in insurance contributions.
The coffers are missing 17 billion euros
“We have to turn four screws: raise efficiency reserves in the health system, use reserves in the health insurance companies, grant additional federal grants and increase the contributions,” Lauterbach told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”. The minister does not yet want to answer the percentage by which the contributions should increase. In his opinion, it would be unprofessional if he reported on the ongoing talks, Lauterbach continued.
Because of the large financial gap of 17 billion euros, cash registers and the opposition are quickly demanding clarity on how the money is to be raised. However, Lauterbach does not want to be pushed. “I will present a well-considered draft law in good time,” the SPD politician told the newspaper.
Lobby interests should not play a role
The Minister of Health also does not want to comment on an exact date when the reform is to take place. In a few weeks, however, the members of the expert commission on hospital reform are to be named. “It will be a commission of experts that is not staffed by the usual association chairmen. I’m going for science,” says Lauterbach. The SPD, Greens and FDP had agreed on the commission in the coalition agreement.
“The supply must be qualitatively better and more efficient. And we have to guarantee the security of supply despite an extreme shortage of staff,” said the minister on the commission to the committee. There is a risk that there will be a shortage of nurses and doctors in some regions. In addition, inpatient treatment should be done on an outpatient basis where it makes medical sense.
The pharmacies had protested against the first suggestions that the cash registers should also be relieved by a reduction in VAT on pharmaceuticals. According to Lauterbach, lobby interests should not play a role in the restructuring of cash register finances.
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Source: Stern
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