IKK Südwest: urgent need for reform for statutory health insurance

IKK Südwest: urgent need for reform for statutory health insurance

Financial stability of the SHI: A call for reform

The challenges of statutory health insurance (GKV) are increasingly in the focus of public discussions. Against the background of growing expenses and stagnating income, there is an urgent need for reform that affects not only the health insurance companies themselves, but also all society.

On August 29, 2023, there was an important press conference in Berlin, in which important actors from the healthcare system took part. Prof. Dr. Jörg Loth, board member of the IKK Südwest, and other representatives of the guild health insurance funds presented the alarming financial situation of the SHI and called for measures to strengthen the statutory health insurance and their self -government.

The effects of these financial bottlenecks are far -reaching. More and more insured persons are faced with increasing additional contributions. This development is perceived as symptomatic for a larger trend: the stress of the health system is increasingly passed on to the insured, while other potential sources of income, such as taxes on harmful products, are not used. Prof. Dr. Loth emphasized that it was not sustainable if the solidarity community suffers from these conditions.

he also pointed out specific examples that illustrate how the current system acts inefficiently. Among other things, he criticized measures such as the Date Service and Supply Act, which cause high costs without ensuring a noticeable improvement in the quality of care. These inconsistencies need to be uncovered and tackled urgently to stabilize the situation.

A central concern of the IKK Südwest is the legal strengthening of health insurance companies in the sense of democracy and self -government. Prof. Dr. Rainer Schlegel, former President of the Federal Social Court, also spoke out for a system that ensures that social security contributions are not used outside the selected framework. Such a principle is essential so that the self -administration of the health insurance companies can actually act as a control body against state interference.

The consequences of this situation are not only financial in nature. The insured often feel helpless compared to rising health costs and have a legitimate interest in a more transparent and fairer system. A balanced reform approach could help strengthen the health literacy of the citizens, while the efficiency in the health system is increased. This could secure the independence of the health insurance companies in the long term and improve the supply situation through a wisely distribution of resources.

The IKK Südwest urgently appeals to legislators to bring about a rethink as quickly as possible. A system that respects both the ability to act as well as the rights of the insured persons is necessary to protect the solidarity community in the long run. "Politics must now act so that we can make the future of our health system sustainable," concluded Prof. Dr. Loth his speech.

These developments are not only a challenge for the SHI, but also an opportunity to reform the health care in Germany in a future -oriented manner. It remains to be seen which steps will be undertaken in the coming months in order to meet these demands and to stabilize the health system.