2023-06-03 03:09:17
Dental check-ups are usually covered by statutory health insurance. In order to save, the IKK boss is now proposing to change that.
Kremmen – The financial situation with the statutory health insurance funds is expected to worsen. In 2024, the statutory health insurance companies (GKV) are expecting a deficit again after secured finances in 2023. It is to be expected that there will probably be a gap of between 3.5 billion and 7 billion euros, said the head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, Doris Pfeiffer, on Thursday in Kremmen in 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 federal government to achieve sustainable stabilization. “The spiral of contribution increases must be broken,” she warned.
Health insurance boss: remove dental care from the catalog of services
The IKK cashier, Ralf Hermes, brought a suggestion for this. He had dem Handelsblatt said, benefit cuts should be “no taboo”. “It would be appropriate for the situation to remove all dental care from the catalog of services.” This area can be strongly influenced by prevention. “Anyone who basically brushes their teeth properly twice a day 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 health insurance. “Insured persons would have the option of privately insuring themselves.”
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) rejected this. “Dental Treatments remain a cash benefit‘ he wrote on Twitter. “We can save money if we avoid unnecessary surgeries or perform more necessary procedures on an outpatient basis. Health ministers need to confront lobby groups, not patients and citizens.”
Health insurance companies: Lauterbach excludes a reduction in benefits
Lauterbach announced a financing concept on Thursday with a view to cash finance. There is an agreement within the government about this, he said in Berlin. When asked, he ruled out cuts in benefits at the health insurers.
Because of an otherwise expected deficit of 17 billion euros, the Bundestag had decided on an extra cash injection for the coffers this year. Pfeiffer explained that ten billion euros of this was raised from contributions – from reserves in the cash register 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, the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacies are used with higher deductions. Against this background, a “balanced result” can be expected in 2023, Pfeiffer made clear.
With a view to possible reductions in benefits for insured persons, Pfeiffer said: “I don’t think it makes sense to discuss the topic now.” In general, one can certainly talk about whether all treatments are useful and necessary and also have a scientifically proven effect . (dpa/ph)
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