No takeover of additional contributions by Hartz IV

The collected additional contributions of some health insurance funds are only occasionally taken over by the Hartz IV authorities.

(19.04.2010) The collected additional contributions of some statutory health insurances are taken over only occasionally in "hardship cases" of Hartz IV authorities. Only with a "special hardship", the job centers agree to take over the additional contributions. The Job Centers are currently calling on recipients of Hartz IV benefits to switch health insurance providers if additional contributions are levied. If there is an increase in contributions, insured persons can change health insurance without any problems. This is the result of a small question from the group "Alliance 90, The Greens".

Since the beginning of this year numerous health insurance companies collect so-called additional contributions. In general, in addition to the insurance contribution, a lump sum contribution of eight euros per month will be charged. Flat rate because the additional contribution of the health insurance is levied independently of income.

Only in so-called "hardship cases" will the additional contributions for Unemployment Benefit II (ALG II) be taken over. The Federal Government showed the following examples to see when a "hardship case" applies. Thus, a "hardship case" is recognized if an ALG II recipient or a family member by the health insurance company undergoes significant loss of benefits granted by the health insurance. This could be the case, for example, if existing medical features of other health insurance funds are in all likelihood not granted or not to the extent that is available. These include so-called special care programs or forms, such as the family doctor model, special outpatient medical forms of care, structured treatment programs for chronic illnesses or integrated medical care.

Hardship cases can also be justified in the following cases:
If the current statutory health insurance fund has already carried out comprehensive examinations for certain medical services or has already approved certain services (eg continuation / commencement of a rehab measure or treatment approved by the health insurance fund and continuation of a treatment approved on the basis of a treatment plan). If Hartz IV recipients have a lasting or certain form of treatment against his health insurance in court has won. If larger, "as provided in-kind aids" for the handicapped had to be returned (eg a wheelchair or a special hospital bed). Or if the accessibility of another statutory health insurance for the insured would not be the same as in the previous health insurance, which levies the additional contribution (eg personal counseling needs for severely handicapped, elderly or chronically ill).

However, it should be noted that the terms "hardship" or "particular hardship" have no specific legal claim. The examples listed are intended as an orientation. The Federal Government points out that there is no legal claim. (Sb)

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Image: Andreas Morlok /Pixelio.de.