DGB Slams BDA's Healthcare Reform Proposals, Calls for Better Funding
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has criticized recent healthcare reform proposals by the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA). The DGB opposes several cost-saving measures suggested by the BDA, advocating instead for a well-funded hospital reform to enhance accessibility and generate savings.
The BDA proposed eliminating the exemption from contributions for insured spouses with little or no income, aiming to save up to €50 billion annually and reduce contribution rates by up to two percentage points. However, the DGB argues that this move would disproportionately affect low-income families.
The DGB also rejects the BDA's plan to reintroduce a €10 consultation fee for doctor visits and a 50% increase in medical co-payments. Instead, the DGB calls for a dynamic tax subsidy to share healthcare costs fairly.
Contrasting with the BDA's focus on cost savings and efficiency reforms, the DGB demands a well-organized and funded hospital reform. This includes generating savings through improved efficiency and reducing travel time and waiting periods for patients. The DGB's goal is seamless emergency care and a specialist network accessible to all.
The DGB has made it clear that it opposes the BDA's proposals to cut coverage and increase patient co-payments. Instead, the trade union confederation advocates for a fairer sharing of healthcare costs and a well-funded hospital reform to improve accessibility and generate savings. The DGB also calls for the federal government to repay its debts to health insurers.
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