The German Association of Districts (DLT) has issued a stark warning against proposed austerity measures orchestrated by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), intended to stabilize the statutory health insurance system (GKV). The plans, slated for approval by the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday, are drawing criticism for potentially jeopardizing the viability of essential hospitals, particularly in rural areas.
DLT President Achim Brötel voiced concerns to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, arguing that the proposed cuts, totaling over two billion euros, disproportionately target hospitals. The core of the plan involves curtailing expenditure increases for hospitals by suspending the ‘most favorable clause’ next year, a move critics deem counterproductive.
Brötel characterized the actions as a direct undermining of the recently implemented inflation compensation for 2022 and 2023, which he described as a “central foundation for a successful hospital reform”. He cautioned that further financial losses for hospitals – essentially reversing earlier gains – will accelerate structural changes within the healthcare sector, threatening the existence of hospitals critical for regional care. “There must be no cost-cutting measures at the expense of patient safety” he stated.
The DLT’s criticism extends beyond the immediate financial impact. Brötel questioned the fairness of distributing the austerity burden, highlighting that hospitals are bearing the principal strain while other key players within the German healthcare system are largely exempt from these savings initiatives. This selective application of cost-cutting measures is raising significant questions about the long-term sustainability and equitable distribution of resources within the German healthcare model. The association argues that a more comprehensive and balanced approach is needed to address the systemic challenges facing the GKV.
