The Bundestag is set to pass the law for stable health insurance contributions. However, the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) Berlin warns of negative consequences for patient care. The savings package could result in fewer practicing doctors and increased waiting times.
Burkhard Ruppert, chairman of the board of KV Berlin, told RBB’s Inforadio that older physicians are signaling they are considering leaving the profession. Younger doctors are weighing whether to set up their own practices at all. This would mean fewer appointments for patients. Chronically ill patients in particular would face disadvantages, while healthy individuals would benefit from the law. Ruppert called for structural changes rather than mere contribution rate stability.
The black-red coalition’s savings package is intended to relieve statutory health insurance funds of sharply rising costs in 2027 to prevent contribution increases. Planned measures include spending caps for medical practices, hospitals, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, higher co-payments for medications and restrictions on the free co-insurance of spouses are planned.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
