New electronic health card 2014 duty

Health insurance: From the New Year, the electronic health card is required

31.12.2013

„From January 1, 2014, the new electronic health cards (eGK) will only apply to all persons with statutory health insurance.“, This is what the company health insurance funds BBK point out. The old health insurance cards expire at the end of 2013.

False reports lead insured persons astray
However, numerous media had reported incorrectly and thus caused confusion. Some have reported, the old health insurance cards are valid in a grace period until October 2014. Others claimed even, the cards are so long „durable“ as the expiration date on the smart cards. „Such transitional periods apply only to doctors and clinics“. This is to ensure that treatments can always be billed. „For patients, this period does not apply“, emphasizes a cashier. From 1 January 2014, all insured persons must submit their new electronic health card to the doctor or hospital.

New map contains more data
All health insurance companies have already sent out the new health cards to insured persons this year. The eGK contains the insurance number, name, age, address and copayment and a picture of the holder. The cash registers want to restrict the misuse of cards. In addition, the new cards can be overwritten and modified. This was necessary so that the health cards can be adapted to the modern encryption system. After an introductory period, further, in part sensitive, data should be stored. These include prescriptions, blood type, diagnostics or ultrasound images. The coffers point out that „Insured persons do not have to pay for the purchase“. Probably indirectly, since the development and introduction cost hundreds of millions of euros.

Order health card quickly
Thus, the new health card from the New Year is a prerequisite for a smooth treatment, so doctors and clinics can settle as usual uncomplicated with the health insurance. If you do not have an eGC yet, you have to hand in the card after a treatment at the latest ten days later. If this is not done, the doctor or hospital will issue a private bill, which the patient will have to pay for himself. Statutory insured persons who do not yet have a new card should contact their cashier as soon as possible to order a new one. For a certain bridging time, the health insurance company issues a certificate, so that the insurance cover is always maintained. (Sb)