Bert Rürup: Solidarität im Gesundheitssystem neu organisieren – die vergessene Option
Für mehr Solidarität im Gesundheitswesen gibt es ein praktikableres Konzept als die Bürgerversicherung. Diese Idee wurde bereits vor Jahren entwickelt, doch die Politik scheut die Debatte.
Düsseldorf – Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has unexpectedly brought up a fundamental reform of Germany's statutory health insurance (GKV). The coexistence of private and statutory health insurance is viewed by many as a "justice problem". Merz acknowledged the issue but also emphasized that there were valid reasons for both systems.
"However, if the population considers this a massive problem, and I share this assessment, we must change something," he stated. While a spokesperson later clarified that the Chancellor did not challenge the dual system of health insurance, the sentiment was clear. It is unthinkable to design a modern healthcare system today based on the existing German model.
The alternative is not to defend the status quo or introduce a private health insurance scheme. Instead, it is essential to institutionally separate insurance from redistribution. The coexistence of statutory and private health insurance has spiraled out of control since the introduction of the compulsory statutory "workers' health insurance" at the end of the 19th century.
Private health insurance (PKV) was the market-driven response to the fact that higher earners, officials, or self-employed individuals could not become members of the statutory health insurance schemes.
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