Are medical consultations always subject to monetary compensation?

In a bid to address the financial instability in Germany's health insurance funds, Steffen Kampeter, the managing director of the Federal Association of German Employers' Associations, has proposed a co-payment for doctor's visits.

According to the Federal Court of Auditors' report to the Budget Committee of the Bundestag, health insurance funds are expected to consistently fall short of spending in the future. This projection, following record growth in spending last year, could lead to an annual deficit of a billion dollars.

The financial instability in health insurance funds could result in higher contribution rates for insured persons, as indicated by the Federal Court of Auditors. However, the report does not specify the cause of the projected deficit.

Kampeter's proposal aims to help stabilise health insurance contributions and limit doctor-hopping. Unlike the former practice fee, which was a one-time payment of €10 for the first visit per quarter from 2004 to 2012, the proposed co-payment would apply to every visit.

The BDA managing director warns that the social security system is practically insolvent, and he believes that a co-payment could lead to stronger patient guidance. He has further stated that employers, like insured persons, pay the health insurance contributions.

It is important to note that no specific details about the proposed co-payment amount have been given. The proposal has highlighted the need for action to address the financial instability in health insurance funds, and it could have significant implications for the German economy.

The Budget Committee of the Bundestag has received the report from the Federal Court of Auditors about the financial situation of health insurance funds. However, the report does not mention any proposals to address the projected deficit in health insurance funds.

In a recent interview on the "Berlin Playbook" podcast by "Politico", Kampeter emphasised the need for a co-pay advance payment for doctor visits to share healthcare costs more fairly between patients and the system. The potential implications of this proposal are currently under discussion.