Germany’s leading employer association, the BDA, is proposing a new fee for doctor’s visits as a potential solution to financial pressures facing the statutory health insurance system. BDA Chief Executive Steffen Kampeter, speaking to Politico, argued that improved patient guidance is necessary and suggested a contact fee for each consultation. The intention, he stated, is to discourage unnecessary appointments and ensure medical resources are focused on patients requiring treatment.
While not specifying a precise amount, Kampeter indicated the fee should be significant enough to influence behavior, prioritizing a reduction in “doctor shopping” and advocating for standardized initial assessments to direct patients to the appropriate specialist.
The proposal is part of a broader call for fundamental reforms to social spending. Kampeter expressed concern that the growth of the welfare state has outpaced the country’s economic capacity, describing the system as effectively insolvent and accusing the government of delaying necessary action.
He also issued sharp criticism of current pension policies adopted by the governing coalition. Kampeter argued that recent decisions, including maintaining a pension level of 48% and expanding mothers’ pensions, represent superficial fixes. He expressed concern that critical discussions are being delegated to commissions comprised of stakeholders with a vested interest in the status quo, hindering innovative solutions.
