"There is no alternative": health insurance boss calls for benefit cuts for patients

The check-up visit to the dentist is usually covered by the statutory health insurance. In order to save money, the IKK boss is now proposing to change that.

Kremmen – The financial situation of the statutory health insurance companies is expected to worsen. In 2024, the statutory health insurance companies (GKV) expect a deficit again in 2023 after secured finances. It is to be expected that there will probably be a gap between 3.5 billion and 7 billion euros, said the head of the GKV-Spitzenverband, Doris Pfeiffer, on Thursday in Kremmen, Brandenburg.

Without countermeasures, this would result in an increase in the average additional contribution of 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points. Pfeiffer therefore called on the German government to achieve sustainable stabilisation. "The spiral of contribution increases must be broken," she warned.

Health insurance boss: Delete dental care from the catalog of services

A suggestion was made by the IKK treasurer, Ralf Hermes. He had told the Handelsblatt that benefit cuts should not be "a taboo". "It would be appropriate for the situation to remove all dental care from the catalogue of services." This area can be strongly influenced by prevention. "If you essentially brush your teeth properly twice a day, you will have almost no problems." Exceptions could be accidents through no fault of their own and serious illnesses, which should continue to be covered by the health insurance company. "Insured persons would have the opportunity to insure themselves privately."

Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) rejected this. "Dental treatment remains a health insurance benefit," he wrote on Twitter. "We can save money by avoiding unnecessary surgeries or performing more necessary procedures on an outpatient basis. Health ministers need to confront lobby groups, not patients and citizens."

Delete the visit to the dentist from the statutory health insurance benefits? According to the head of the IKK, this would be a good solution. © Alexander Heinl/dpa-tmn

Health insurance companies: Lauterbach excludes a reduction in benefits

Lauterbach announced on Thursday with a view to the cash finances a financing concept. This is being discussed within the government, he said in Berlin. He ruled out cuts in benefits at the health insurance funds when asked.

For this year, the Bundestag had decided on an extra cash injection for the coffers because of an otherwise expected deficit of 17 billion euros. Pfeiffer explained that ten billion euros of this alone had been raised from contribution money – from reserves in the area of the funds and an increase in the average additional contribution from 0.15 points to 1.51 percent. In addition, the federal government increased its usual subsidy by two billion euros, among other things, and the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacies will be used with higher discounts. Against this backdrop, a "balanced result" can be expected in 2023, Pfeiffer made clear.

With a view to possibly conceivable benefit cuts for the insured, Pfeiffer said: "I don't think it makes sense to discuss the issue now." In general, one could certainly talk about whether all treatments are useful and necessary and also have a scientifically proven effect. (dpa/ph)