Krankenversicherung: Linnemann stellt sich gegen die Bürgerversicherung

Bundesgesundheitsminister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) staunchly defended the dual system of private and statutory health insurance in the Bundestag on Wednesday, rebuking Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent remarks. Linnemann emphasized the dual system fosters innovation and maintains quality standards, countering interpretations suggesting its abolition.

The Chancellor had previously highlighted a "justice issue," reigniting discussions around the Bürgerversicherung, or citizen's insurance, which provides quicker access to care for private patients. Linnemann stressed the problem lies not in the existence of two insurance systems but in the speed of patient care. He highlighted a disparity of 36 to 41 days in waiting times between private and statutory insurance, areas he intends to reform.

Key instruments include reforming emergency care and strengthening primary care, the initial point of contact for health issues. Linnemann aims to enhance efficiency in these systems, stating that only by making them more efficient can patients receive timely care. Despite the statutory health insurance system (GKV) spending over a billion euros annually, Linnemann sees potential for reforms within it, not advocating for a system-wide merger.

Rising contribution burdens are another major concern, with Linnemann emphasizing the need to avoid further increases to maintain Germany's competitiveness. While the debate over the insurance system continues, Linnemann seeks to shift focus from merging systems to improving the existing one, particularly in reducing waiting times and controlling contributions.