Health reform under pressure: ÖGK judgment hits tens of thousands!

Health reform under pressure: ÖGK judgment hits tens of thousands!

The Austrian government has launched a comprehensive industrial policy in cooperation with social partners such as the Austria Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) and unions. Against the background of a creeping crisis in the health system, this project will be examined in the coming years. In particular, the health of the population is increasingly identified as an essential cost factor, which illustrates the urgency of reforms. According to ots, Andreas Huss has been chairman of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) since July 1, 2025.

Medical judgments put Austria under pressure

A current judgment of the Labor and Social Court of Vienna, in the case of 35 CGS 218/24S-23, has caused additional conflict, as it states that the ÖGK does not have to pay for the costs of implants to heal jawbone loss. Dentists are concerned about the consequences, since conventional clips are not suitable for the necessary medical interventions. This could affect tens of thousands of people who rely on such treatment methods. Critics complain that the ÖGK has not adapted its guidelines to the latest medical knowledge.

The spatre diversified reaction of the ÖGK and the medical association expresses concerns about the financial burden on the patient. A statement on the part of the Medical Association on this important judgment has so far been pending.

Reform for fairness in healthcare

In terms of current challenges, a reform of social security is aimed at, which aims to simplify the administrative systems and to make them more fairly. The [industrial association] (https://wien.iv.at/themen/arbeits--sundheit/szialversundtkeit-gesheit-pensions/ industrie-zu-ogk-aktuelle-verlare-klare-best.html) shows that the constantly increasing losses of the ÖGK were easier for predictable due to outdated structures of the area health insurance funds. These structures can no longer meet the requirements of a modern health system. In order to ensure more efficient processes and avoid dual -screens, the reduction of social security institutions from 21 to 5 is planned.

By merging the nine area health insurance companies into a single Austrian health fund, a uniform performance catalog and uniform enforcement practice are sought. These changes should minimize the losses in the healthcare system in the medium -term view.

insights into health reporting

The [Ministry of Social Affairs] (https://www.social Ministry.gv.at/themen/Gesundheit/gesundheitssystem/Gesundheitungen/das-oesterreich-gesundheitSsystem-%80%93-Akteers ,-daten ,- analysen.html) provides valuable insights into Austrian health policy. The fourth reports published in 2019 have a focus on the major reforms of the health system since 2013. These reforms aim to strengthen the coordination and cooperation between the various levels of government and self -administration bodies. A common guide ensures the comparability of the various country profiles that the European observatory for health systems creates and analyzes.

The ongoing developments in health care and the targeted reforms should not only increase the efficiency of health services, but also ensure that health care remains fair and accessible to all citizens.