Press release: 'Volksstimme' on patient co-payments

MAGDEBURG (dpa-AFX) - "Volksstimme" on patient co-payments:

"Welfare reforms in Germany are making progress – in theory. The latest contribution comes from Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU). He considers patient co-payments for medical treatment essential to contain costs. This ties in seamlessly with employers' association president Steffen Kampeter, who would like to revive the practice fee but has not met with much enthusiasm. However, it is clear that insured individuals will have to prepare for more expensive treatments, for better or for worse. Social Affairs Minister Bärbel Bas has put the SPD's citizen's insurance scheme, which is in dire need of restructuring, on the back burner. Even Federal President and SPD member Frank-Walter Steinmeier is now demonstrating a spirit of reform and demanding the renewal of the welfare state. It is long overdue for Chancellor Friedrich Merz to put a basic concept for this on the table – sponsored by his coalition. But in addition to the content, he seems to lack the courage."/yyzz/DP/nas