Criticism of PKV is growing

PKV rejects proposal for market opening of the GKV

04/16/2012

The criticism of private health insurance is growing. Rarely have so many voices from different directions been voiced against the private system. In addition to numerous politicians in the Union, formerly among the proponents of the system, more and more industry insiders complain about the unequal health care system.

The formerly strong front of proponents of private health insurance (PKV) is dwindling. More and more politicians from the ranks of the government coalition criticize the private funds. Only the FDP is still at the side of private insurance companies.

For the statutory health insurance, the discussion is just right. Thus, several cash management boards, the private and the statutory health insurance under one roof to unite. These should then be as possible „same conditions“ compete against each other. For example, the CEO of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) suggested merging the private health insurance companies and the health insurance funds as part of a transformation into public limited companies. Of course, the Association of Private Health Insurers (PKV) does not like such proposals. Its chairman Volker Leienbach complained that such proposals would not solve the current problems. In addition, a conversion of the statutory health insurance companies into private joint stock companies is not legally possible.

Tariff increases in the private insurance system
Meanwhile, more and more private insured complain about rising tariffs. Especially in old age, the costs would take on a dimension that would hardly be affordable anymore. Therefore, Gerd Billen, head of the Federal Association of Consumer Advocates, rejoiced that PKV would become established in a few years „probably abolish yourself“. More and more insured people showed incomprehension that tariffs in some cases rise by 60 percent. In the course of this, Billen called on the Federal Minister of Health Daniel Bahr (FDP), through reforms in the structures of private health insurance „consumer-friendly“ to design. The consumer centers used a study to evaluate complaints from customers due to premium increases. The PKV Verband, however, rejected the study as „highly dubious“ back. The study was by no means representative, according to the private health insurance association. The vast majority of private patients are satisfied with the range of services and rates.

Same contribution adjustments in both systems?
The contribution increases of private health insurance are comparable to those of the statutory health insurance funds. Although there were strong premium adjustments of some 60 percent, these usually took place in the low-priced lock offers. Former Einsteigertarierife, which were offered at the starting price of less than one hundred euros, cost after a few years and after the closing of the tariff sometimes double or triple. In the approximate comparison, the tariff increases were a good two percent. Every second PKV tariff (45 percent) has not been raised at all in the last two years. According to industry observer Morgen & Morgen, increases in private health insurance were only slightly higher than for statutory health insurance. PKV contributions have increased by 3.3 percent on average over the past 15 years. In legal terms, the rate of increase was about 3.1 percent.

Citizen insurance with supplementary insurance
The SPD, the Greens, the Left and the unions have been campaigning for a solidary citizens' insurance for a long time. With this system, there would be no differences and all Germans would have to insure themselves at a cash register. Because the FDP is currently in the survey results very bad there could take place at the next election, a change of government. Therefore, many private providers are already preparing and building the area „supplementary“ out. However, the Barmia health insurance looks calmly against the 2003 general election. She expects that the private health insurance system will continue to exist thereafter. (Sb)

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Picture: Gerd Altmann / Gerold Meiners