Cash Register Reform: ÖGK Chairman Huss Welcomes Mattle's Insight

Over the weekend, Mattle had described the merger of the regional health insurance funds as a mistake and called for a "reform of the reform." In other federal states, Mattle's criticism was mainly shared by SPÖ representatives.

Huss, as a representative of the employee side, has been the ÖGK chairman again since July. "It's good that ÖVP Governor Mattle addressed so clearly on the ORF press hour on Sunday that the ÖGK reform and the lack of regional presence of the ÖGK in the federal states were mistakes," Huss expressed his satisfaction. The representatives of employees would find even more mistakes in the "failed" reform, he noted.

ÖGK must become more regional again

Above all, the insured can no longer decide on their contributions themselves, but are "controlled" by the representatives of the employers. "This was the second goal of the health insurance merger, alongside the intended privatization of healthcare." If a genuine reform of the failed health insurance merger is now being considered "sensibly," three goals must be prioritized, Huss stated.

The ÖGK must, for example, regain the financial resources that were taken from it due to the health insurance merger. Additionally, the influence of employers, private hospitals, or private insurance companies must be reduced again. The ÖGK must also become more regional again.

"If we now truly use this necessity recognized by Governor Mattle together to bring about improvements, a good provision for all people can emerge, necessary services can be standardized, and regional needs can be considered. We will gladly contribute our expertise," promised Huss.

Kaiser sees "shambles"

Carinthia's Governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) explicitly welcomes his Tyrolean colleague's initiative as a "necessary and correct step" in response to an APA inquiry. The reform announced by the former ÖVP-FPÖ government has turned out to be a bubble that has burst. Instead of the promised "patient billion," taxpayers will have to dig even deeper into their pockets for the "self-marketing trick." Now others have to clean up the "shambles."

"Now it's about correcting the mistakes of the past. The goal must be that the services of our healthcare system are efficient, affordable, and above all, reach where they are needed - with the people. Patients deserve care at the highest level, regardless of place of residence, income, or insurance status," said Kaiser in a written statement.

Hacker Against "Back to the Start"

Vienna's City Councilor for Health, Peter Hacker (SPÖ), reminded in a statement sent to the APA that the provincial governors, at their last meeting with the federal government leaders, decided to fundamentally discuss the organization of the healthcare system as one of several central fields. "This will be an important topic in the coming months, and we will need new approaches."

"I have always said that this reform has not brought any improvement," emphasized Hacker: "It was an expensive marketing gimmick at the expense of Austrians. However, going back to the start would be the next mistake. We need to address current developments and see how we can solve the numerous future issues in healthcare. Therefore, this late insight of the ÖVP is to be positively evaluated."

Styria Identifies Proliferation of Responsibilities

Styria's Regional Health Minister Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP) emphasized on Monday in response to an APA inquiry: "The diverse challenges in the healthcare sector are known, and that reforms are needed should be undisputed." No matter where someone lives, the care should not make a difference. Currently, there is a proliferation of responsibilities and financial flows, and still no nationwide, uniform fee schedule for outpatient doctors.

Therefore, the necessary reforms require not a patchwork, but a comprehensive master plan for the healthcare of the people, Kornhäusl was convinced. This master plan should be carried out in the course of a broadly based discussion process involving all partners in the healthcare system and aim for the dimension of the Austria Convention as well as rapid implementation. Without taboos, professional arrogance, or blinders, there must be open discussions about responsibilities, structures, and financing.

(APA/Red)

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