Title: Anticipated Uptick in Contributions for DAK, Provided Policy Remains Unchanged
In the approaching year, health insurers could potentially increase their additional contributions, and in some instances, significantly. According to an analysis commissioned by DAK, policyholders may face additional financial burdens in the coming years. However, this upward trend can be altered through "swift and decisive action."
Without any political intervention, health insurance subscribers might witness a further surge in premiums starting from the next year. Based on an analysis by the IGES Institute, the average rate is estimated to rise by another 0.5 percentage points to reach 18% by 2026, with potential further rises to 18.5% by 2029 and 20% by 2035. These projections take into account a medium scenario, balancing the most and least optimistic developments in income and expenditure.
DAK CEO Andreas Storm strongly advocates for "breaking this contribution spiral." In his opinion, swift and bold political action post-election could reverse this trend. Some measures DAK advises include:
- Increasing the federal subsidy for statutory health insurance as part of an immediate program.
- Ensuring insurers do not spend more than they earn through effective management.
- Prioritizing patient care.
Many insurers already raised their additional contributions significantly earlier this year due to ongoing cost increases. As of now, the average rate stands at 2.9%. This is in addition to the general rate of 14.6% of gross salary.
When it comes to reversing this trend, political interventions could involve various strategies, such as:
- Setting caps on premium increases or requiring insurers to justify higher rates.
- Providing subsidies or financial assistance to low-income families and individuals.
- Encouraging market competition among health insurance providers.
- Investing in public health initiatives to reduce the need for medical services.
- Adjusting tax policies to provide more disposable income for healthcare expenses.
- Implementing policies similar to the Affordable Care Act in the U.S.
- Educating consumers about their options and promoting transparency in insurance plans.
It's essential to keep in mind that while these strategies are not directly mentioned in the provided sources, they represent general methods that could be employed to halt or mitigate the expected increase in health insurance premiums in Germany by 2035.
DAK's analysis also suggests that without appropriate interventions, the average health insurance premium could potentially reach 20% by 2035. Following DAK's recommendations, such as increasing the federal subsidy and prioritizing patient care, could help mitigate this trend.
