Brandenburg Counties Face Escalating Rescue Service Funding Crisis

Fixed reimbursement rates from health insurers have left eight counties with deficits, prompting some to bill citizens while political leaders call for urgent mediation.

Since January 1, 2025, health insurers in Brandenburg have reimbursed emergency rescue services using fixed rates, creating funding gaps in eight counties.
Märkisch-Oderland has started issuing invoices to citizens for uncovered costs, while other counties, such as Uckermark, have refrained from doing so.
Ministerpräsident Dietmar Woidke has emphasized the need for a swift resolution, advocating against citizens bearing the financial burden.
The Landkreistag has criticized the fixed reimbursement model as unlawful and warned that more counties may resort to invoicing residents if no solution is reached.
The Brandenburg Health Ministry has urged counties to utilize the agreed-upon calculation system, but disputes over its implementation persist.