By 2019, there will be far-reaching changes in the healthcare system

That will change in 2019 in the healthcare sector

With the turn of the year and during the first months of 2019, important new regulations in the healthcare sector will come into force. Thus, among other things, the additional contributions of the statutory health insurance companies will be taken over by employers and employees in equal parts, the self-employed will be relieved of the contributions and the waiting times at the medical appointments should be shortened in the future. The most important changes in the overview.

The Stiftung Gesundheitswissen has summarized the most important changes in the health sector in a press release for the coming year 2019. Most people will probably first notice the new rules on health insurance additional contributions. From January 1, 2019, the additional contribution rates to be covered by the statutory health insurance companies will be shared by employees and employers. So far, the insured had to bear these costs alone. On average, these costs amount to 0.9 percent of the contributory income.

Numerous changes in the health system are planned for 2019. Among other things, the waiting times for specialists should be shorter. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

Temporary self-employed pay less contributions

Start-ups and self-employed with little income often had to pay disproportionately high contributions to their health insurance companies. From 2019, the minimum contributions for the self-employed will be equal to those of the voluntarily insured in the statutory health insurance funds. According to the foundation health knowledge thus the minimum contribution to the health insurance for self-employed decreases from 360 euro to approximately 156 euro.

Income limit for private health insurance increases

Civil servants, the self-employed, students and freelancers can switch to private health insurance at any time. Employees can only do this from a certain income. In 2018, this was an annual income of at least 59,400 euros. In 2019, the limit will be raised to 60,750 euros. In addition, the so-called contribution assessment limit increases, which indicates up to what content the contributions with the legal health insurance companies increase in percentage. Here, in 2019, the upper limit of 53,100 euros annual income will be raised to 54,450 euros.

Appointment Service and Supply Act enters into force

On April 1, 2019, the so-called Terminservice- und Versorgungsgesetz should come into force. Among other things, this law requires physicians to offer at least 25 consultations per week for patients in statutory health insurance. So far, specialists were only required to do 20 weekly consultations. In addition, established specialists such as gynecologists, ophthalmologists or ear, nose and throat doctors should offer at least a five-hour open consultation without appointments per week.

Social care insurance is becoming more expensive

The contribution for social care insurance will be increased from 1 January 2019. Insured persons will now pay half a percent more. Thus, the costs amount to 3.05 percent of the gross income. Insured without children now pay 3.3 percent of income.

Organized colon cancer screening

It is expected that the early detection of colorectal cancer will be improved as of summer 2019. Men over the age of 50 and women over the age of 55 will then receive an invitation for a free colorectal cancer screening from their health insurance companies. In addition, insured persons receive information on examinations, data protection, opposition rights and program assessments.

Further innovations

In mid-2019, the laws on organ donation are to be changed. Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn wants to enforce the so-called double opposition solution. Every human being becomes an organ donor if he does not actively oppose it.

In almond operations and in the removal of the uterus, patients are now legally entitled to a second medical opinion. Doctors then have to hand out all the documents on the findings. In the future, this right should also be extended to other plannable operations.

For people in need of care above the third care level, from January 2019 bills should be simplified if they take a taxi to the doctor. By issuing the degree of care, these costs will in future be considered as approved and need not be applied for separately. (Vb)