Here’s what our candidates at Techniker Krankenkasse have to say:
“We must ensure medical care in rural areas”
… says IG Metall candidate Christoph Seelmann (35), vice chair of the works council at Airbus Bremen.
Why are you involved in social self-governance?
Social self-governance gives us, as insured members, the opportunity to have a say in how our premiums are used. I want to take advantage of this opportunity and improve our healthcare system.
What issues are particularly important to you?
Medical care in rural areas must continue to be guaranteed in the future—not only with primary care physicians, but also with specialists and psychologists. Careers in healthcare—from doctors to nurses—must remain attractive to young people. Together, we can set the right course and create incentives to make this happen.
What does the healthcare system of the future look like to you?
In addition to good care when we’re sick or need long-term care, we’ll need more preventive health services in the future. Prevention can help stop diseases from developing in the first place—or at least keep them from becoming so severe that they compromise our quality of life.
“Copayments should be abolished”
… says Katrin Mohr (49), union secretary.
Why are you involved in social self-governance?
Because I think it’s important that the interests of employees are represented in our social systems. That’s a major social achievement.
What issues are particularly close to your heart?
We urgently need more funding for the public health care system. Only then can we finance good wages and working conditions in health care and nursing. Only then can we ensure a high quality of care that’s tailored to people’s needs. Only this way can we prevent workers from leaving the health care system in droves due to high pressure and low wages—which would lead to shortages in nursing and care services.
What does the healthcare system of the future look like to you?
People’s needs and quality care must be the focus—not the profits of private hospital corporations. Health insurance coverage must be expanded, and copayments must be eliminated. We need a healthcare system financed on the basis of solidarity that helps people regardless of their income, age, or place of residence. Healthcare must focus on prevention and guarantee that everyone has access to medical and technological advances. A solidarity-based citizens’ insurance system can achieve this.
“We need a citizens’ insurance system”
… says IG Metall candidate Regina Katerndahl (58), Second Representative of IG Metall Berlin.
Why are you involved in social self-governance?
To ensure that the joint financing of health insurance funds continues into the future.
What issues are particularly close to your heart?
Treatment methods and medications with proven benefits should be covered by statutory health insurance plans. We need a much broader range of treatments that can be tailored to the individual. I’ve seen firsthand how comprehensive, compassionate, and understandable care for a sick person can fall short due to financial and staffing pressures in hospitals. We must stand together to oppose this.
What does the healthcare system of the future look like to you?
We need a universal health insurance system that guarantees healthcare for everyone. High-quality services must be offered to all insured individuals. They should not depend on individuals’ financial means as supplementary services.
“The healthcare system must not distinguish between rich and poor”
… says Daniele Frijia (41), union secretary.
Why are you involved in social self-governance?
Democracy is an important part of our society. It’s good that it’s also practiced within health insurance plans. I’ll be working there on behalf of the insured.
What issues are particularly close to your heart?
After an accident, I got to experience both the positives and negatives of the healthcare system. I’m certain that digitalization can move the healthcare system forward. There are some good initiatives in the health insurance companies in this regard, but we need to develop them further now.
What does the healthcare system of the future look like to you?
The healthcare system of the future is there for everyone and must not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Health insurance companies must also provide access to appropriate medical care. It’s important to me that the needs of employees are kept in mind.
