German BKK creates additional contribution

The German BKK wants to abolish the additional contribution from September 2012 again

16/01/2012

The board of directors of the German health insurance fund BKK decided in its meeting last Friday, the abolition of the additional contribution to 30 September 2012. Due to the good economic situation, savings in the pharmaceutical sector and new rebate contracts account for the additional contribution according to health insurance. Thus, the fund follows the example of other competitors who abolish their additional contribution already in the second quarter.

Surplus of 58 million euros
The chairman of the German BKK, Achim Kolanoski reports: „The German BKK has managed well and built up reserves. That's why we will be out without an additional contribution in the future.“ According to the fund, it closed the year 2011 with a surplus of 58 million euros and a turnover of 2.5 billion.

Thanks to the good economic situation, further savings in the pharmaceutical sector as well as new discount agreements, the German BKK can now waive the additional contribution that has been levied since February 2008 in the amount of eight euros. The Chairman of the Board sees the financing instrument introduced as part of the healthcare reform as failed: „The additional contribution directs the focus of the insured on the price. In the competition of health insurance but it should go to the best benefits.“ The German BKK is therefore relying on additional services, such as a free foreign insurance and a specialist medical hotline for its insured.

In conclusion, however, the Federal Insurance Office (BVA) decides as the supreme supervisory authority. Therefore, the decision of the Board of Directors is only "subject to reservation", as the German BKK emphasized.

Experts assume that already from 2013/2014 many health insurance companies will be dependent on the additional contribution. The continuing euro crisis is expected to bring about a sharp slowdown in economic output in Germany, which will also be reflected in the healthcare system. (Ag)