KBV: Fewer doctor's appointments in Saxony due to austerity package

According to the statutory health insurance physicians, significantly fewer treatments could take place in Saxony in the coming year due to the planned savings in the healthcare system. According to calculations by the associations of statutory health insurance physicians, patients in haematology and oncology would be particularly affected in the Free State. Only 77 percent of current treatments by specialists in this field would be funded, and the number of appointments would fall from the current 885 per quarter to 680.

About 130 fewer treatments per GP per quarter

Saxon GPs and general practitioners would only be able to treat 892 patients per quarter instead of the current average of 1,021. According to the figures, the smallest proportionate decrease is to be expected in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Here, 1,129 treatments per doctor per quarter would be funded in future instead of 1,193.

Around 46 million treatment cases would not be funded nationwide in 2027 as a result of the planned cost-cutting measures. "Bild" had first reported on a corresponding paper from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV).

Savings package to halt rise in contributions

At the end of April, the Federal Cabinet launched a savings package for the healthcare system, which still has to be passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. It is intended to stop the steady rise in health insurance contributions, which have been used time and again to offset rising costs in the system. The statutory health insurance funds are to be relieved by 16.3 billion euros with the 2027 package. This is slightly more than the expected deficit of 15.3 billion euros.

Cuts and higher payments

Cuts are planned for practices, clinics and the pharmaceutical industry - but also higher co-payments for medication, higher contributions for high earners and restrictions on free co-insurance for spouses. Remuneration increases for doctors and clinics are to be limited. For medical practices, several extra payments are to be abolished.