In a joint endeavor led by North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saxony-Anhalt, these four states have issued a call to action for the federal government to establish an emergency aid program for financially struggling hospitals. These institutions are grappling with significant financial difficulties due to escalating operating costs, with Bavaria's Health Minister, Judith Gerlach (CSU), underscoring the urgency of the situation. The Bundesrat, set to convene next Friday, is expected to deliberate on this matter.
According to Gerlach, an emergency aid program would serve as a crucial signal for the planned hospital reform, preventing a wave of insolvencies before reforms can be instated. The proposed aid amount to a staggering five billion euros, necessary to counteract unrefinanced cost increases from 2022 and 2023. This financial intervention is imperative given the recent surge in expenses, which outpaced current hospital funding.
Beyond emergency financial aid, the four states have proposed further instruments to strengthen the hospitals' financial standing. These include an amendment to federal legislation enabling permanent funding for full, collectively agreed wage increases for all professional groups from 2024, along with full material cost increases. Additionally, Gerlach advocates for making shortened payment periods for hospital invoices from health insurance companies a permanent fixture beyond 2024.
As we await the Bundesrat's decision, it's worth noting the German federal government's past response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where it introduced financial aid programs for companies and healthcare systems, allocated funds for health equipment and vaccine development, and provided regional support. This history of economic stimulus measures suggests a potential willingness to assist financially struggling hospitals.
However, the specifics of current proposals or actions related to hospital aid programs have yet to be disclosed by the German Ministry of Health or the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed through recent government announcements, press releases, or official documents for the most current and accurate information.
