Kassenärzte-Chef Andreas Gassen has called for the complete elimination of voluntary benefits offered by German statutory health insurance providers. These benefits, often used for marketing purposes, include services like homeopathy, anthroposophy, phytotherapy, health courses, and fitness trackers.
Calls for Reform Amidst Financial Strain
Gassen, chairman of the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV), argued that if savings are necessary in the healthcare system, “’Nice to have’-Leistungen” should be the first to be cut. He stated that It’s inconsistent for health insurance funds to consider reducing reimbursements for services approved by the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss while simultaneously spending significant sums on promotional offerings.
These “Satzungsleistungen” exceed the standard level of care provided by statutory health insurance and vary from fund to fund. Gassen’s proposal comes as broader debates continue regarding reforms to the German healthcare system, driven by substantial deficits. Health Minister Nina Warken has announced a billion-euro savings package for the summer.
Gassen also criticized the practice of health insurance funds using these benefits – whose medical value is often questioned – as a means of advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of services are being considered for elimination?
Homöopathie, Anthroposophie, Phytotherapie, health courses, and subsidies for fitness trackers are among the services Kassenärzte-Chef Andreas Gassen has suggested eliminating.
Who is Andreas Gassen?
Andreas Gassen is the chairman of the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV), the organization representing physicians in Germany’s statutory health insurance system.
What is the potential financial impact of these cuts?
The complete elimination of these voluntary benefits could save approximately one billion euros per year.
As Germany grapples with healthcare funding challenges, what trade-offs are citizens willing to make to ensure a sustainable system?
