Increasing costs for prisoner medicine: millions of millions in the state!

Increasing costs for prisoner medicine: millions of millions in the state!

The medical care of prisoners in Austria represents a growing financial problem. In 2024, expenditure is expected to reach 165 million euros, a drastic increase compared to the 110 million euros in 2020. The largest cost center is the treatments in public hospitals, where the prisoners are often accommodated in locked stations. FPÖ National Councilor Christian Lausch expresses sharp criticism of the increasing expenditure of the judiciary, while savings are made in the health system. According to Lausch, prisoners who need fast treatment are better cared for than regular taxpayers in a highly tense health environment.

A closer look at the numbers shows that almost 72 million euros will flow into mental health care in the coming year, while another ten million euros are planned for external doctors and dentists. In addition, expenses for psychologists and psychotherapists amount to 4.3 million euros. Lausch warns that while the staff is largely understaffed in priority, prisoners enjoy treatment like privately insured.

inclusion in statutory health insurance

A motion for a decision of November 18, 2022, initiated by Lausch and other MPs, aims to include the occupants of prison in statutory health insurance. At the moment, prisoners are not socially insured, apart from unemployment insurance for working inmates. Instead, the costs for the medical care of the federal prisoners bear the federal government and the doctors charge their services according to the tariffs for uninsured private patients. Historically speaking, the expenditure for the medical care of prisoners from 29.34 million euros in 2000 rose to over 100 million euros in the period from 2022/2023. In 2021, the average medical care costs per inmate was 7.16 euros.

health care during and after the detention

During detention, health insurance protection remains in principle; However, prisoners do not receive benefits from the health insurance company. Medical care within the correctional facility takes place through the so -called free healing care, which applies to certain professional groups and occupants. The regulations for covering costs vary depending on the federal state and are based on legal standards. Legally insured persons can leave the claim to benefit during their imprisonment, but have the option of remaining voluntarily insured under certain conditions. However, this is only possible for a maximum of two years in prison and is possible with proven financial needs.

After the release of prison, membership remains in statutory health insurance, unless this is terminated. In addition, the state ensures that social security contributions are taken over if the released occupants receive unemployment or citizen allowance. In the event of employment, the employers' levies must be taken over by the employers. When changing the health insurance, deadlines apply that are possible after a 12-month binding period.

Overall, the increasing costs and the necessary reforms in the field of medical care in Austria illustrate that an action -oriented solution is required. The debate about health insurance for prisoners could be decisive for future design costs in the judicial and health system.

For more information on these topics, see Exxpress, Parliament and Krankenkasseninfo.