ÖGK in the deficit: Administrative costs increase - what does that mean for you?

ÖGK in the deficit: Administrative costs increase - what does that mean for you?

Österreich, Land - The administrative costs of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) are currently at the center of public discussions. This topic is reinforced by the predicted balance sheet deficit of around 900 million euros for 2025 and the associated challenges. According to a report by Health Insurance Fund the possibility of reducing costs in administration, which currently only accounts for 2% of the total expenditure of the ÖGK, is identified as a measure to increase efficiency. In addition, changes in the service catalog will be introduced from July 1st, which increase, among other things, the own shares for certain medical services.

The increasing use of medical services is evident in a record increase in visits to the doctor. Between 2024 and 2025, stagnating growth is forecast, which supports the forecasts of the WIFO economic research institute. In order to counteract the financial situation, a package of measures for cost damping is developed, which aims at sustainable health care. An additional funding contribution from the federal government is also considered necessary to ensure the quality and expansion of health services.

efficiency and investments in the future

The ÖGK invests a total of 21.4 billion euros in health services in 2025, with more than 98 % of the total budget flowing into services for the insured. Peter McDonald, the chairman of the ÖGK, has commented on the responsibility of the institution and the need for financial consolidation. It is of great importance to strengthen the financing of the solidarity health system at the same time. During the Covid 19 pandemic, additional services were provided without increasing the staff. For example, the ÖGK has supplied over 10,000 contractual partners with protective clothing and disinfectant and kept all customer centers and health centers into operation during the lockdowns.

The challenges are diverse: from demographic changes, to the increase in chronically ill patients to the associated costs for innovative, but expensive medication. The ÖGK faces the task of finding a sensitive balance between cost control and ensuring high -quality medical services. The focus on evidence -based medical care should help master these challenges, while at the same time the care for all insured persons is guaranteed.