In the spring of 2023, it will be that time again: Insured individuals will elect their representatives in the statutory health and long-term care insurance systems, as well as in the pension and accident insurance systems. This is the social election. Approximately 51 million insured individuals are eligible to vote.
The social insurance systems are largely independent of the government, both organizationally and financially. As public-law corporations, they are self-governing.
This means that all decisions of fundamental importance are made by elected representatives. They determine how health insurance funds or pension insurance implement statutory regulations in practice—on behalf of the insured and employers. This is also referred to as social self-administration.
Close to the People
About 1,600 metalworkers are actively involved in social self-governance. They are often experienced works council members or union representatives.
They are familiar with the concerns of the insured and can vigorously represent their interests. They advocate for good, needs-based, and practical solutions and benefits. In this sense, they also monitor how the insured’s contributions are used.
IG Metall’s insured members’ representatives are not lone fighters. Behind them stands a strong union that exerts its influence on the federal government—to ensure that pensions are adequate and that occupational diseases are recognized as such.
Volunteering Pays Off
While the legislature determines the amount of pensions and insurance premiums, it is the elected members of the self-governing bodies (the “self-governing representatives”) who decide on matters such as effective health promotion, innovative care models, special benefits, or additional contributions for insured individuals, as well as the quality of rehabilitation services and accident prevention regulations.
The self-governing members consistently achieve concrete successes: For example, at their urging, the health insurance funds have doubled subsidies for hearing aids . They have also succeeded in ensuring that occupational diseases are recognized as such more frequently than before—a decisive advantage for those affected.
The “self-governing members” also decide whether to grant appeals filed by insured individuals. And they elect and oversee the boards of the social insurance agencies and approve the budget.
Interesting facts about volunteer work:
- Employers must grant time off
- Social insurance reimburses lost wages
- Social insurance pays expense allowances and travel costs
- Time commitment varies depending on the position and insurance provider, approximately eight appointments per year
- Social Security offers training
- IG Metall provides support through newsletters, resources, seminars, and conferences
