Proposal request for a worker radiation protection directive, addressing the risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure, put forth by the Commission.
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In a series of interviews and statements, key figures in Germany's healthcare sector have been discussing potential changes to the system, with the reconsideration of co-payments and the practice fee at the forefront.
The Federal Drugs Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck (CDU), has advocated for patients to contribute to doctor visits, a practice that is currently being reconsidered. This proposal has sparked a debate, with opinions divided on its potential impact.
Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, the vice-chair of the GKV association, spoke to the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ) about the structural problems of the healthcare system. She highlighted outdated structures and insufficient adaptation to the needs of patients as specific issues. However, she stated that increasing co-payments for sick people is not a solution to these problems.
The GKV association has proposed an expenditure moratorium to stop spending more money than income and to push necessary reforms in statutory health insurance financing. Oliver Blatt, its chairman, emphasised the need for structural reforms rather than uncritical spending increases.
The Association of Innung Health Insurance Funds (IKK-Verband) also supports the expenditure moratorium, advocating for relief from non-insurance benefits and strict economic management of available resources. They reject funding increases without proven benefits, including opposing an increase in the pharmacy flat fee.
Andreas Gassen, Chairman of the KBV (National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians), has rejected any expenditure moratorium, considering it a fatal signal weakening outpatient care. Instead, he calls for the de-budgeting of specialist physicians, following that of family doctors, to improve outpatient care funding. Gassen also suggests discussing additional financing options such as co-payment and self-participation models.
However, Gassen argues that the statutory health insurance must co-finance the services claimed by the group of over three million working-age people not working. He does not believe the task of co-financing should fall on the contributors.
Stoff-Ahnis expressed both agreement and incomprehension regarding Streeck's push for patient contributions to doctor visits. She also criticized the states for trying to roll back the hospital reform with great political pressure. She noted that hospitals will spend around ten billion euros more this year than last year.
The specific stance of the GKV association on the proposed changes to co-payments and the practice fee was not detailed in the provided context.
In summary, Germany's healthcare system is undergoing changes, with key figures advocating for various solutions to address structural problems and financial challenges. The debate continues, with discussions focusing on expenditure moratoriums, patient contributions, and the need for reforms in financing options.
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