Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s hospital reform plans have come under fire from the Federal Audit Office for being expensive and legally questionable. The Federal Audit Office criticized Lauterbach’s reforms as not being the revolutionary change he claims them to be, and as being costly and difficult to predict in terms of their effects. The proposed Transformation Fund, which would finance the restructuring of the hospital landscape over a period of ten years with 50 billion euros, half of which would come from the states and half from health insurance, has raised concerns about the rising health insurance contribution rates.
According to Politico, the Federal Audit Office’s report states that the additional health insurance contribution is expected to increase by more than 0.2 percentage points starting in 2027 due to the fund. The use of health insurance contributions to finance tasks that are the responsibility of the states has also been deemed “problematic” by the auditors, creating the potential for legal disputes. Several states and the Health Insurance Fund have also raised legal doubts about the reform. Despite the backlash and criticism, the Cabinet approved the reform proposal on Wednesday, with the law set to be passed by the Bundestag in the coming months.
The hospital reform proposed by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has faced opposition from hospitals, doctors, and now the Federal Audit Office. The 26-page report from the Federal Audit Office questions the effectiveness and feasibility of the reforms, highlighting concerns about the financial burden on the Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) caused by the Transformation Fund. With the potential for a significant increase in health insurance contributions and legal uncertainties surrounding the distribution of funding responsibilities, the reform has sparked controversy and debate within political and medical circles.
The criticism of the hospital reform is not limited to financial concerns, as there are also legal implications at stake. The use of health insurance funds to cover costs that are traditionally within the jurisdiction of the states raises questions about the legality and potential legal repercussions. The involvement of various stakeholders, including states, medical associations, and the Health Insurance Fund, in challenging the reform through legal channels further complicates the implementation and effectiveness of Lauterbach’s proposed changes.
Despite the skepticism and pushback from various quarters, including the Federal Audit Office, the Cabinet has proceeded with approving the hospital reform plans put forth by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. The next steps involve the Bundestag passing the legislation in the coming months, setting the stage for potential legal challenges and further debate surrounding the controversial reforms. As the health care landscape continues to evolve and adapt to changing needs and challenges, the outcome of this reform process will have far-reaching implications for the German healthcare system and its stakeholders.
