The Federal Government’s Patients’ Advocate, Stefan Schwartze, has publicly voiced his support for a citizen’s insurance model within the German healthcare system. Speaking to Ippen-Media, Schwartze emphasized that such a system would provide equitable access to medical care for all citizens, removing advantages currently afforded to some through their insurance plans.
While the Social Democratic Party (SPD) championed the citizen’s insurance concept during the 2025 federal election campaign, coalition negotiations prevented its implementation. Schwartze acknowledged that progress on this particular initiative is unlikely within the current parliamentary session.
However, he expressed optimism regarding the planned overhaul of the Patient Rights Act. Schwartze indicated he anticipates this revision to be realized during the current legislative period, with a focus on enhancing patient access to medical records and reforming the provision of what he termed “non-essential, potentially harmful IGeL (Individual Medical Services) treatments.
He cited specific preventative gynecological examinations, such as certain ultrasound procedures, as an example where restrictions may be necessary. Schwartze suggested that the statistical risk associated with such procedures in some cases could outweigh the benefits, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. He further criticized the current system where patients sometimes feel compelled to book these potentially unnecessary services to secure an appointment with a physician.