Debate on health insurance system: "Merz is right"
Almost in passing, Chancellor Merz hinted on Monday at changes to the coexistence of statutory and private health insurance, citing a problem of fairness. Now he is receiving support from an unexpected quarter.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sparked a debate about changes to the system of statutory and private health insurance. "If the impression takes hold among the population that those who are privately insured immediately receive every service while those with statutory health insurance have to wait weeks and months for it, then that is precisely such a problem of fairness," the CDU leader said on Monday at a press conference following recent electoral defeats. The black-red government must address this, he said.
Clarification from the Chancellery
The move came almost in passing and caught many by surprise. Has the Chancellor actually called the dual health insurance system into question? No, a spokesman for the Chancellor sought to clarify shortly afterwards. "The Federal Chancellor has not called the health insurance system into question."
Merz had made clear that the federal government takes seriously the widespread public feeling of unequal treatment, "but that there are also good reasons for the existing system."
CDU traditionally opposed to "citizens' insurance"
An end to the coexistence of private and statutory health insurance would represent a departure from a long-standing position of his party. The CDU has until now strictly rejected a state unified insurance scheme — such as the "Bürgerversicherung" (citizens' insurance) demanded by the SPD, Greens and Left Party.
Merz therefore received support from an unexpected quarter. "Well, I don't say this very often, but I have to say, he's right on this one. Even a broken clock is right twice a day," said Young Socialists (Jusos) leader Philipp Türmer on RTL and ntv.
It is a "major problem in our society" when "privately insured people can essentially snap their fingers and get an appointment the next day, while those with statutory insurance sometimes have to wait months."
Lauterbach sees "moment of insight" in Merz
Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach saw a "moment of insight" in Merz. The move was "correct." Eighty percent of the population find it "unfair that privately insured patients receive preferential treatment," for example when it comes to doctor's appointments. A citizens' insurance, by contrast, would be fair. The SPD parliamentary group's health policy spokesman, Christos Pantazis, has already offered the CDU/CSU talks on implementing changes.
"Always think carefully," says the CSU
The CSU is having none of it. "I think you always have to think carefully before making new proposals," said Bavarian state parliamentary group leader Klaus Holetschek, addressing the Chancellor.
CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann also attempted to rein in the debate and interpret Merz's words: the CDU chairman had not called the existence of private health insurance into question on Monday, Hoffmann stressed. The Chancellor had "only meant the allocation of appointments."
Speaking to journalists in Berlin, Hoffmann acknowledged that the Chancellor's statement could also have been understood differently. "Perhaps it could have been focused somewhat more" on the specific issue of appointment allocation, said the CSU politician, referring to Merz's remarks. A coalition agreement on this matter would be reached soon, he said.
