Press Statement Health Insurance: “Do Not Jeopardize Public Acceptance of Social Security”

“The Finance Commission has presented a series of proposals to limit cost increases in the healthcare system, which now need to be discussed. It would be wrong to engage in a race toward further cuts to social security at the expense of the insured. Partially abolishing non-contributory co-insurance, partial sick leave, or increased copayments undermine the social security of workers and their families. This fuels fears and also jeopardizes public acceptance of social security systems.

What is needed now are bold structural reforms targeting the real cost drivers, such as drug prices and financial mismanagement in hospital care. The proposed cap on drug costs is therefore a step in the right direction. We also welcome the cost-covering financing of healthcare costs for basic income recipients through the federal budget.

At the same time, we must strengthen the financial basis of health insurance in a sustainable and solidarity-based manner: To this end, everyone should be integrated into the statutory health insurance system, and additional types of income should be included.”