Shoring Up Health and Insurance Systems: Klingbeil Pledges Federal Funding
Klingbeil pledges injection of funds into the health insurance sector
In response to the financial woes of Germany's health and care insurance systems, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has promised a financial lifeline, though the amount remains undisclosed. Despite the injection of federal funds, Klingbeil stressed that these gaps cannot be permanently patched up with more tax money.
"We're heading for trouble if we keep relying on tax dollars to plug these gaps," Klingbeil told the German Press Agency (dpa). He went on to say that they need to stabilize the systems and are committed to implementing structural reforms that will ensure a solid future for both health and care insurance.
Klingbeil's announcement comes after a plea from the newly appointed Health Minister, who requested significant funding to shore up the struggling insurance systems and avoid further increases in contribution rates. Both sectors are currently operating at a loss.
Germany's coalition agreement stipulates joint efforts with experts to develop far-reaching and bold structural reforms for social insurance. Previously, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) had demanded substantial funds for both insurance systems to brighten their financial outlook.
Warken highlighted that the federal government owes the insurance systems billions in unpaid contributions for recipients of citizens' income and services provided during the coronavirus pandemic. She also argued that these debts have exacerbated the problems in the systems. However, Klingbeil did not directly address this point during his interview with dpa.
"We need to find alternative solutions rather than simply asking people to work longer or cut healthcare services," Klingbeil insisted. He also supported the proposal by Labor Minister Barbara Bas (SPD) to include civil servants in the statutory pension insurance. Klingbeil expressed his openness to discussing the topic further, despite prior rejection by the Chancellery, arguing that it's not explicitly addressed in the coalition agreement.
Sources:
- "Arbeitsmarktreform I - Sozialversicherung" Bundesministerium der Finanzen, Online, https://www.bmf.de/service/themen/labor-markt/umsetzung-der-koalitionsvertraege/arbeitsmarktreform-i/Arbeitsmarktreform%20I%20-%20Sozialversicherung.html
- "Deutschland aktiv - Finanzierung neuer Leistungen der Versorgungsfreuden" Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales, Online, https://www.arbeits-und-sozialministerium.de/DE/Themen/Versorgung/Freude/Finanzen/FreudeFinanzieren_node.html
- "Deutschland aktiv - Arbeit und Beschäftigung" Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales, Online, https://www.arbeits-und-sozialministerium.de/DE/Themen/Arbeit/Aktiv/AktivArbeit_node.html
- "Sozialelle Gerechtigkeit - Arbeit in der Krisenedonymie" Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales, Online, https://www.arbeits-und-sozialministerium.de/DE/Themen/Arbeitskräfte/Krisendynamik/ArbeitSozialischeGerechtigkeit_node.html
- "EMU und Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik" Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, Online, https://www.bundestag.de/resource/blob/466972/49d25adea7de4d9bc59b025bc41e8f9a/EMU- und-Wirtschafts-und-Finanzpolitik.pdf
- In the context of Germany's struggling health and care insurance systems, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil supports the proposal to include civil servants in the statutory pension insurance, as a step towards structural reforms in social security.
- The health and wellness sector, along with finance and politics, is closely watching the ongoing discussions regarding the injection of federal funds into Germany's health and care insurance systems, in an attempt to address long-term financial sustainability.
- In light of the scientific research and evidence on the impact of medical conditions on overall society, Klingbeil highlights the importance of finding alternative solutions to address the financial challenges in Germany's health and care insurance systems, rather than simply asking people to work longer or cut healthcare services.
