Contract: Brandenburg's Emergency Transport Services Continue to Remain Free - Proposal requested for a directive safeguarding workers from radiation dangers, specifically ionizing radiation.
In a significant development, eight counties in Brandenburg, Germany, have agreed on a new calculation basis for emergency rides, ensuring that these services will remain free of charge for citizens. The agreement was announced by Health Minister Britta Müller (independent, for BSW).
The negotiations were under pressure due to the counties' increasing revenue losses, as insurers had only been paying fixed flat rates for emergency services since January 1, pending an agreement with the counties on a new calculation. However, the flat rates were considered unlawful by the county association.
All parties, including the counties, insurers, and Minister President Dietmar Woidke, agreed to a ceasefire, halting billing notices for emergency rides. This ceasefire deadline ended on Monday this week.
The agreement did not include the controversial handling of empty rides by ambulances, a point of contention that has not been resolved as of yet. It is worth noting that the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg (OVG) is yet to make a decision on a lawsuit by insurers against the fee regulation of the Teltow-Fläming district, which may impact this issue.
Prior to this agreement, some counties, such as Markisch-Oderland and Teltow-Fläming, had already begun sending billing notices to patients. However, these notices have now been halted due to the agreement.
While eight counties have reached an agreement, the counties of Barnim, Oberhavel, Markisch-Oderland, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Oder-Spree, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Teltow-Fläming, and Spree-Neiße had not yet reached an agreement with the insurers as of the latest information available. The other counties and independent cities had already reached an agreement with the insurers on a calculation.
The agreement brings relief to Brandenburg citizens who rely on emergency services, ensuring that these vital services will continue to be provided free of charge. The situation regarding the handling of empty rides by ambulances remains uncertain and will be closely watched as the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg makes its decision on the lawsuit by insurers.
In light of the agreement, the new calculation basis for emergency rides may extend beyond health-and-wellness services, potentially influencing community policy, as it ensures these services remain free for Brandenburg citizens. Meanwhile, the debate over the controversial handling of empty rides by ambulances continues, with the outcome likely to impact fitness-and-exercise and nutrition programs through vocational training initiatives.
