The suggestion by Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU) to introduce patient co-payments for doctor’s visits has sparked a range of reactions from medical and health insurance organizations. While some acknowledge the need to explore new funding models, others express concern that such measures would exacerbate existing problems within the healthcare system.
Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, Vice-Chair of the GKV-Spitzenverband (the association of statutory health insurance funds), voiced strong reservations, stating that structural issues within the system cannot be addressed by increasing financial burdens on patients. She highlighted the substantial increase in hospital expenditures-estimated at ten billion euros this year-and criticized attempts to reverse planned hospital reforms. As an alternative, the GKV-Spitzenverband proposes an expenditure moratorium, tying health insurance fund spending to their income.
Conversely, Andreas Gassen, Chairman of the Federal Association of Statutory Health Physicians (KBV) believes a fundamental reassessment of funding strategies is necessary. He suggests that exploring additional financing options, including co-payment and patient contribution models, warrants serious consideration. Gassen also raised concerns regarding the significant number of employable individuals – over three million – who are not participating in the workforce and suggested that the healthcare costs associated with this group need to be adequately funded, rather than solely borne by contributing members.