The German Central Health Fund—Recent developments in health care financing in Germany

Dirk Göpffarth and Klaus-Dirk Henke

Health Policy, 2013, vol. 109, issue 3, 246-252

Abstract: In 2009, Germany's Statutory Health Insurance System underwent a major financing reform. A uniform contribution rate set by government was introduced. Sickness funds retain only limited autonomy in charging additional premiums. A dynamic subsidy from general revenue was introduced. The aims of the reform were: (1) intensifying competition, (2) gearing competition towards quality and efficiency, and (3) increasing financial sustainability. This article describes the reform, presents the experiences made, and evaluates whether the policy aims have been met.

Keywords: Germany; Health care financing; Premium subsidies; Additional premiums; Competition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:109:y:2013:i:3:p:246-252

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.11.001

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