The statutory health insurance system is heading toward a multi-billion euro deficit. To curb escalating expenditures, the federal government is planning several cuts within the healthcare system. These proposed cuts include reductions in hospital costs, fees paid to physicians, and pharmaceutical prices. Furthermore, the measures also involve higher co-payments for medications for insured patients, or the complete elimination of certain services, such as homeopathy.
However, findings from a Forsa survey commissioned by “Stern” and RTL reveal that only 23 percent of Germans find it acceptable if insured patients must pay more in the future. A substantial 75 percent oppose these changes, while two percent were undecided.
The majority of patients reportedly feel it is unfair that they are expected to pay significantly more for prescription drugs at the pharmacy in the future, as co-payments are set to rise to 7.50 euros up to a maximum of 15 euros per package, compared to the previous range of 5 to 10 euros.
Support for the planned increased financial contributions from insured patients is also low among the base of the two major ruling parties. Specifically, 71 percent of SPD supporters and 61 percent of CDU/CSU supporters oppose these measures. The opposition is even more pronounced among members of the Left Party, with a staggering 91 percent stating their objection to statutory insurance recipients having to pay out of pocket for medications.
Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) presented her proposals for healthcare reform last week, which generated considerable disagreement, even within the government itself. According to Warken’s plans, savings and increased revenue are expected to total around 20 billion euros. Several elements of her program are particularly controversial: proposed reductions in the mandatory contribution-free co-insurance for spouses, an increase of the contribution assessment ceiling by an additional 300 euros, and the provision that free coverage for recipients of citizen’s benefits should be funded by the premiums of legally insured individuals rather than by the federal budget.
