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German Health Bodies Propose €3–4 Visit Charge and Higher Hospital Co-Pays

The proposals land ahead of an experts' report to guide a broader health insurance overhaul due by March.

Overview

  • KBV chair Andreas Gassen proposed a €3–4 per‑visit patient charge, collected by insurers, to discourage duplicate consultations and strengthen health fund revenues.
  • Gassen also called for a digital "doctor guide" accessible via 116 117 to advise patients and coordinate care to prevent repeat treatments.
  • DKG chief Gerald Gaß urged doubling the daily inpatient co‑payment to €20, estimating roughly €800 million in additional annual income for insurers.
  • Gaß proposed a €30–40 fee for hospital emergency centers when used without prior telephone assessment envisioned in the planned emergency reform.
  • General practitioners' groups and patient advocates criticized a blanket contact charge as socially unfair, and the health minister previously ruled out reviving the old practice fee.