New German record mark Over one billion euros in health expenditure daily

Health expenditure in Germany at over one billion euros per day

Health expenditure in Germany has reached a new record: According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the mark of one billion euros per day was exceeded for the first time last year. According to experts, the cost of health care could be massively reduced through simple measures.

Health expenditure per inhabitant at more than 4,300 euros per year

According to a statement by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), health expenditure in Germany in 2017 exceeded the one billion euro mark per day for the first time. For 2017, statisticians forecast a 4.9 percent increase in health expenditure compared with 2016 to € 374.2 billion. Accordingly, from 2015 to 2016 they had increased by 3.8 percent to 356.5 billion euros or 4,330 euros per inhabitant. This corresponded to a share of 11.3 percent of the gross domestic product. As stated in the communication, the higher growth rate for 2017 is due to the Third Nursing Act, which came into force on 1 January 2017.

Health expenditure in Germany in 2017 exceeded the one billion euro mark per day for the first time. According to experts, the cost of healthcare could be significantly reduced. (Image: dessauer / fotolia.com)

Treatment of civilization diseases devours a lot of money

According to experts, a large part of health expenditure in this country falls on the treatment of so-called lifestyle diseases such as back problems, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Also, the sequelae of diabetes cause significant costs.

Many civilization diseases are "often lifestyle-related and thus actually preventable - caused by unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and stress," reported the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in an earlier release.

Expenditure could be reduced by simple measures

Scientific research has also shown that many diseases of civilization could be suppressed by a healthier lifestyle - and this would result in lower spending.

For example, researchers from the US reported on a study that showed that regular exercise can greatly reduce the cost of health care by helping to maintain cardiovascular health.

In this country, according to the TK, a nationwide commitment to health promotion is required. However, the incentives in the health system are fundamentally wrong, criticized the health insurance.

"Because in the financial equalization (the so-called Morbi-RSA) funds are punished financially, if they take care, for example, that the diabetes of an insured person does not deteriorate," said the TK.

And: "On the other hand, it is financially attractive to document as much illness as possible. Because the more diseases a cash register can prove to its insured, the more money it receives from the health fund. "

Costs are mainly borne by the contributors

Health expenditure in Germany is primarily funded by the state, private households and businesses.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, the largest sources of funding in 2016 were workers 'social security contributions of € 112.4 billion, employers' social security contributions of € 81.6 billion and state transfers of € 51.8 billion.

Health expenditure includes all goods and services with the aim of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and care, the costs of administration and investments of health care institutions.

Expenditure on research and education in health care, as well as expenses for the compensation of sickness-related consequences (eg benefits for integration help) and income support are not included. (Ad)