Statutory health insurance savings measures: Many practices in Berlin could remain closed on Wednesday

For urgent cases, KV Berlin refers you to its emergency services. Locations open on Wednesday include the Vivantes Klinikum in Friedrichshain, the Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg and the DRK Kliniken Westend.

Worry about poor care

With the day of action, the associations are opposing the Statutory Health Insurance Contribution Rate Stabilization Act. The KV Berlin fears this will put economic pressure on practices and a deterioration in health care. “Berliners will feel the consequences: fewer practices, longer waiting times, limited services,” said the KV. The planned measures are “pure cost-cutting measures at the expense of outpatient care”.

The BVKJ also sees the supply in danger. She fears that important preventive examinations and vaccinations could become more difficult to access in the future. At the same time, practices would come under financial pressure if additional treatments were no longer fully reimbursed. “No pediatrician and adolescent doctor can afford to offer their services at a dumping price,” said Berlin state press spokesman Jakob Maske. “Standard care will be restricted and care will deteriorate.”

Savings package totaling 16 billion euros

The austerity package launched by the cabinet is intended to reduce the burden on statutory health insurance companies by 16.3 billion euros in 2027 in order to compensate for an expected deficit and avoid higher additional contributions. Minister Nina Warken (CDU) is planning to curb spending in practices, clinics and the pharmaceutical industry – but also higher co-payments for medication and restrictions on free co-insurance for spouses.