Austria's Heated Debate Over Cross-Border Patient Care

Austrian leaders debate the future of cross-border patient care. Balancing patient needs and fiscal responsibility is the challenge as the 2028 deadline looms.

, and Administrator

2025 October 21 . 2:04 PM

1 min read

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Austria's Heated Debate Over Cross-Border Patient Care

A heated debate is ongoing in Austria over the treatment of cross-border patients, with Vienna spending €610 million last year on such cases. Governors and officials are divided on the best approach, with some advocating for a joint health region and others opposing centralization.

Burgenland’s Governor Hans Peter Doskozil has voiced his opposition to centralizing healthcare and hospital competencies. Meanwhile, Lower Austria’s Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasizes the importance of patient care over residence for treatment. The debate has led to proposals for a joint health region and changes in the fiscal equalization agreement. Vienna and Lower Austria are currently negotiating to resolve their conflict over patients treated outside their home regions.

The Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (SVS) chief Peter Lehner opposes the debate over competencies in healthcare. Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig, however, advocates for the establishment of a shared health region. An agreement is to be reached by 2028 before the current fiscal equalization system expires. Transferring healthcare competencies from the states to the federal government would require political agreement and address implementation issues.

The future of cross-border patient treatment in Austria remains uncertain, with differing opinions among governors and officials. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on finding a solution that balances patient care with fiscal responsibility before the 2028 deadline.