BIG Ensures Wound Care Coverage After Transition Period Expires

A major insurer steps in to protect patients from coverage gaps. How BIG direkt gesund’s goodwill policy bridges the legal loophole in wound care reimbursement.

, and Administrator

2025 December 5 . 7:03 AM

1 min read

in this picture there are bowls, mugs and spoons in the kitchen sink. Beside to it there are... — in this picture there are bowls, mugs and spoons in the kitchen sink. Beside to it there are bottle, sanitizers, tissues and bowls.

BIG Ensures Wound Care Coverage After Transition Period Expires

The move comes after delays in passing legislation meant to extend the transition period until late 2026.

The Nursing Care Powers Expansion and Bureaucracy Reduction Act was designed to push the reimbursement deadline to 31 December 2026. But the Bundesrat referred the bill to mediation on 21 November 2024. Objections centred on a clause suspending the 'most favoured nation' principle in hospital reimbursement rates.

With the original transition period expiring on 2 December, the government included a retroactive provision. This ensures the extension applies from that date, even if the law is finalised later. Affected products range from metal-coated dressings to semi-solid or liquid formulations like hydrogels, solutions, and emulsions.

BIG direkt gesund has now guaranteed no clawback claims for these items. The insurer also confirmed ongoing coverage under a goodwill arrangement. Norbert Fina, head of the Berlin regional association, emphasised the company’s commitment to supply security and reliability.

The insurer’s decision ensures patients face no immediate gaps in accessing essential wound care treatments. The federal government’s intervention, combined with BIG direkt gesund’s measures, aims to maintain stability until the law is fully enacted.

The retroactive extension and BIG direkt gesund’s goodwill policy prevent coverage interruptions for advanced wound care. Patients and providers can now continue using the products without financial uncertainty. The final legislation, once approved, will solidify these protections until the end of 2026.