PRESS STATEMENT IG Metall calls for a radical reform of health insurance finances

In light of the increase in health insurance premiums effective January 1, 2022, IG Metall has called for a “radical reform.” “For years, politicians have been tinkering with the ailing health care system without a treatment plan. The finances may still be reasonably stable for 2023, but after that, the situation could become precarious. We need a radical reform of statutory health insurance finances,” said Hans-Jürgen Urban, the responsible executive board member of IG Metall.

The measures taken during the Spahn era increased compensation for doctors and providers of health apps, for example, but did not lead to improved care. “Nothing but expenses,” said union representative Urban. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is now reacting in a similar way, seeking to address drug shortages by raising medication prices. Here, too, there is a risk of things becoming more expensive rather than better.

“You don’t create reliable supply structures for medications by rewarding the pharmaceutical industry with even higher prices at the expense of patients and insured individuals,” said Hans-Jürgen Urban. “We don’t need more expensive medical care—we need better medical care. Mandatory minimum stockpiles, requirements for availability, and diversification of supply chains are key points that health insurance companies rightly highlight when discussing possible solutions.”

According to Urban, limits must be set on price increases by service providers. However: “Good care must—and will—continue to cost something in the future. But fair and sustainable financing of the healthcare system will only be possible with a health insurance system into which everyone finally contributes. This spreads the burden across more shoulders and helps those with limited means.”

The health minister has announced a major financial reform for the end of May. Urban’s appeal: “The Greens and the SPD should finally step over the FDP’s shadow and move toward a universal health insurance system; otherwise, our healthcare system will end up in the intensive care unit.”

Further information and press photos of Dr. Hans-Jürgen Urban