No increase in health insurance contributions

No increase in health insurance contributions

23/12/2014

Good news for members of the statutory health insurance: With an increase in the contribution rates is expected in the coming year at most funds. In some cases, even a reduction in contribution rates is to be expected, only some small health insurance companies will probably tighten the rates. Like most other big cash registers, the Barmer GEK set their contribution rate at 15.5 percent. This corresponds to the previous year's rate. Barmer GEK comments: "There will be no pure price competition at the Barmer GEK at the expense of service and quality of service."

The reason for the new approach of the contributions, is a change in the law from 1.01.2015. Thereafter, the statutory minimum contributions are set at 14.6 percent, the previous special contribution is eliminated. Instead, the funds can then, according to the expected financial position, determine additional contributions. For most funds, they are 0.9 percentage points or just under the expected uncertainty. Accordingly, the Metzinger BKK and BKK Euregio with 14.6 percent are the cheapest, the BKK family, IKK Southwest mark with 15.8 percent, the top rates. The big coffers such as the Barmer GEK and the DAK are with 15.5 percent in midfield. The health insurance fund is even just below: „From January 1, the TK levies a cash-specific additional contribution rate of 0.8 percent. The general TK total contribution rate is thus 15.4 percent, the reduced rate 14.8 percent.“

The Techniker health insurance is even just below: „From January 1, the TK levies a cash-specific additional contribution rate of 0.8 percent. The general TK total contribution rate is thus 15.4 percent, the reduced rate 14.8 percent.“

According to the law, the funds must inform their insured persons about the changed contributions and the special right of termination until the new year. The funds must state in detail how high the average additional contribution is and how high the contribution they demand is. In addition, the health insurance funds must always refer to the list of contributions of the umbrella association of statutory health insurance. However, this will only be publicly available from the beginning of the year. (Jp)

Picture: Bernd Kasper