Warken demands: The federal government must cover treatment costs for citizens' benefit recipients!

Warken demands: The federal government must cover treatment costs for citizens' benefit recipients!

Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has taken a clear position and is calling for the federal budget to fully cover the treatment costs of citizens' benefit recipients. This demand comes against the background that treatments for this group have been underfunded for years. More than ten billion euros are missing every year, which significantly worsens the situation for those affected and statutory health insurance companies. According to a report by the IGES from 2022, each statutory health insurance company only receives around 109 euros per month from the job centers per citizen's benefit recipient. However, this only covers a third of the actual needs.

As a result, the health insurance companies, and thus also the insured, have to finance the shortfall themselves. This has already led to many health insurance companies increasing their contribution rates. Warken speaks of the need to carry out reforms in the healthcare system in addition to immediate financial relief and is planning a structural package for the coming year. Statutory health insurance companies and the opposition welcome Warken's initiative as fair relief for those insured.

Reactions from the healthcare industry

Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK-Gesundheit, describes Warken's initiative as groundbreaking, but recognizes that only short-term help is in prospect. Long-term structural reforms are necessary to sustainably improve the financial situation of statutory health insurance companies. Warken's initiative also finds support within the political landscape. The Greens are pleased about the step, with Linda Heitmann criticizing the federal government's insufficient contributions to statutory health insurance for those receiving citizens' benefit.

In the coalition agreement, the traffic light government had already planned to increase contributions for citizens' benefit recipients. However, this measure remained unimplemented due to the tight financial situation. The need to reform the financial framework is shared by many, and Warken's approach could be seen as the first step in the right direction.

The current financing problem represents a growing risk for those with statutory health insurance. The discussion about appropriate contributions and financing solutions will therefore become more important in the future in order to ensure fair health care for all citizens. Further information can be found at Mirror Online and BR.de.