AOK Federal Association and Marburger Bund: Align reserve financing with needs
26.07.2023 11:39
The AOK Federal Association and the Marburger Bund discussed financing issues and other aspects of the planned hospital reform in a top-level political discussion. Both sides fundamentally agreed that the reform must be accompanied by a valid impact analysis. This also includes a survey of the current situation, including with regard to the beds that can actually be occupied, as well as further investigation of the effects of a concentration of services.
The CEO of the AOK Federal Association, Dr. Carola Reimann, and the first chairwoman of the Marburger Bund, Dr. Susanne Johna, emphasized the need for structural changes in the hospital sector. There were also different opinions when assessing the current flat-rate per case system.
Both sides agreed that the reserve budget must be determined independently of the number of cases performed in order to avoid false economic incentives. Security surcharges must continue to be granted independently of the remuneration system and should not become part of the reserve budget. Carola Reimann: “Cost financing stabilizes the economic situation of hospitals and prevents false economic incentives in the provision of services.” Susanne Johna: “Since the change in hospital financing will take many years according to current planning, it must be ensured in the meantime No supply-relevant structures are to be dismantled.” According to the AOK proposal, the amount of the reserve budget should be based on the needs-based allocation of the service groups and thus reflect the actual needs of the population. It is crucial for the Marburger Bund that all patient-related personnel costs are covered by the financing of maintenance costs.
The AOK Federal Association rejects a complete departure from the per-case flat-rate system, as demanded by the Marburger Bund, citing the performance-related nature of the remuneration. In conjunction with the planned reserve financing, hospitals would be better able to fulfill their care mandate in the future.
There was agreement that the de-bureaucratization of care must be given greater importance. The AOK Federal Association and the Marburger Bund will therefore discuss together at the specialist level which measures to reduce bureaucracy can be implemented in the short term as part of the reform.