Germany's Union and SPD parties have reached a consensus to partially fund hospital reform using special infrastructure funds. This decision emerged from coalition talks focused on healthcare and nursing. The reform, initially planned to draw from health insurance funds, will now utilize billions earmarked for infrastructure. Previously, €2.5 billion in yearly expenditure was expected from the statutory health insurance fund.
The hospital reform, spearheaded by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, aims to enhance hospital specialization and shift away from fee-per-case financing. This reform seeks to improve treatment quality and prevent financial crises leading to hospital closures. The plan includes provisions for rural areas, allowing exceptions and extended cooperation to maintain essential emergency and basic care services.
The financial stability of necessary hospitals is a priority, with plans to address operational cost gaps from 2022 and 2023. The definition of specialized hospitals will also be revised to ensure the continued operation of relevant clinics across Germany. The Bundestag and Bundesrat recently agreed on a €500 billion special fund, facilitating these changes.
Meanwhile, the German Association of Cities and the German County Association call for further financial relief beyond the special funds. They emphasize the need for comprehensive structural reforms to support municipalities, citing inadequate funding and significant financing gaps. As coalition discussions progress, these issues and other contentious points will be addressed, shaping the future of Germany's healthcare landscape.
