DGB wants to prevent the capitation

The DGB wants to prevent by means of a commission the introduction of the capitation.

The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is looking for further active allies in the fight against the anti-social capitation in the health care system. A commission should develop a counter-proposal to the capitation. The goal is a solidary citizens' insurance. This Wednesday, the DGB Reform Commission has „For a solidary health system of the future“ started her work.

DGB board member Annelie Buntenbach said in Berlin: „We are pleased that the top representatives of the social, welfare, women's and youth associations as well as renowned scientists have followed our initiative and participate in shaping the future financing of health insurance in Germany within the framework of the commission. We do not regard the DGB Commission as an opposition to the government commission, but as a constructive reflection of society. The Reform Commission unites a social design will for large parts of the population, which rejects the plans for a change of system in the direction of head lump sum to 80 percent“.

The chairman of the IG BAU Klaus Wiesehügel called on the coalition above all to return to the equal participation of the employers. „The coalition's planned freezing of employer contributions is the sticking point because it would pass all future additional burdens on the insured“, so Meadow Hill. Such an operation is „unfair, unreasonable and would quickly lead to a smooth overload for large parts of society“. For a sustainable stabilization of the GKV the freezing of the employers contributions would be the „completely wrong way“. Instead, Wiesehügel demanded full employer participation and the withdrawal of the special employee contribution, the practice fee and the additional contributions.

The head lump sum called "Wiesehügel" as the beginning of the end of solidarity health insurance. „It is an absurd idea that the saleswoman should pay the same capitation as a well-paid department manager and thus be charged significantly higher. The principle of solidarity and also the sense of justice of the people is trampled on by the capitation“.

IG Metall board member Hans-Jürgen Urban underlined that the structural problems in the health system can not be overlooked. „The answer to the planning of the Federal Government can not be limited to a rejection of the anti-social capitation. It will not be done with a defense of the status quo. We call for an offensive reform concept that will make the health system future-proof.“ At the center of trade union responses to financing problems is the concept of solidarity citizens' insurance. „All, even the better earners purely in the statutory health insurance, that is an answer with perspective. We do not need less but more solidarity“, Urban said. Turning to the pharmaceutical industry and physicians, urges Urban for the „Future more modesty“ and the federal government must finally make binding arrangements to keep costs in the health sector under control. (10.03.2010)