ÖGK savings package: Patients will soon have to pay for important health services!

ÖGK savings package: Patients will soon have to pay for important health services!

Österreich, Österreich - In Austria, health care faces considerable challenges. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) plans drastic measures to reduce a serious deficit of 900 million euros by 2026. As reported 5min.at, this decision was decided on Tuesday by the board of directors and general meeting. The measures aim to reduce the deficit to zero. A central aspect is the approval obligation for MRI and CT examinations, which should come into force from 2025, and the introduction of paid transports for patients.

The new ÖGK boss Peter McDonald took office with the challenge of managing the record deficit. The causes of this are varied: retirement, increasing costs, increasing costs due to medical progress, the trend towards fewer inpatient treatments and the persistent recession have led to financial imbalance. The ÖGK plans to reduce the deficit to 250 million euros this year and strives to form reserves in the long term after a "black zero" has been reached.

put on new fees and savings

The planned savings include, among other things, that every second retirement (86 jobs) is not filled. In addition, the use of leasing workers is limited and 10% of the office space is to be submitted. A new electronic approval system for imaging diagnostics should also be established by the end of 2025.

The patients also have to adjust to additional costs: A fee of 7.55 euros is charged for rescue trips and taxi trips cost twice. Increasing the self -proportion of orthopedic measurement shoes is another point that will affect many patients. Talks with doctors and countries for saving and joint financing of health services are planned. It is ensured that medical fees do not increase over the current contribution rate of 4%.

demographic challenges and economic situation

The deficit of the ÖGK is part of a major problem that includes infectious expenses and increasing visits to the doctor. According to health insurance.at, the overall budget of the ÖGK is set for 21 billion euros for 2025, which corresponds to a deficit of 4.29 percent. The population is getting older, which increases the frequency of the doctor's contacts. Older people often suffer from chronic diseases, which exacerbates the demographic situation and the problem of expenditure.

The 의료비용 continues to increase, and the record rise in visits to the doctor and medical services makes the situation even more complicated. A relocation of inpatient to resident treatments should relieve the hospitals. In recent years there have been significant cost increases in medical care, especially through innovative but expensive medication.

The WIFO economic research institute forecasts economic growth of minus 0.9 percent in 2024. Stagnant growth is also expected for 2025. These economic framework have a direct impact on the contributions of the ÖGK, which are negatively influenced by a weak economy and increasing unemployment.

long -term strategies for stability

The ÖGK has announced that it will develop a package of measures for cost damping in order to secure financial stability and health care in the long term. Efficiency increases and savings are considered crucial to master the challenges. In addition, those responsible consider an additional federal financing contribution to be necessary in order to further expand health care in the country.

An overview of the current challenges and developments in the Austrian health system is also given in the [report of the Ministry of Social Affairs] (https://www.social ministry.gv.at/themen/gesundheit/gesundheitsystem/Gesundheitungen/das-oesterreich-gesundheitSsystem-ar. Regular analyzes, such as the country profiles of the European Observatory for Health Systems, offer extensive information about the performance and reforms of the health system in Austria. The cities and regions are required to face these challenges in order to ensure high -quality and financed health care for the population.