Promoting personal responsibility
When it comes to reining in healthcare costs, CSS believes that the promotion of personal responsibility among patients plays an important role. Mandatory health insurance has two main pillars through which this can be achieved: On the one hand, there are alternative insurance models where insured persons undertake to consult a certain first point of contact (known as a 'gatekeeper') and to follow the treatment pathways recommended to them. In this way, insured persons are guided efficiently through the healthcare system and receive targeted care, thus preventing unnecessary treatment. On the other hand, self-responsibility can be encouraged by means of incentives in relation to the co-payment. The various levels of deductible, in particular, reduce the take-up of benefits and thus create an incentive to make savings. The increase in the minimum deductible demanded by Parliament is another step in this direction that is supported by CSS. Allowing health insurers to target their insured persons with information on more cost-effective services or suitable care and insurance models, which Parliament has made an integral part of the second package of measures, could play an important role in this context.
What's more, as a health partner, CSS helps its insured persons to take more responsibility when they fall ill. The Well app Symptom Checker, for example, gives insured persons access to a digital service developed by medical professionals and health informatics specialists. The Symptom Checker assesses their symptoms and provides a recommendation on whether they should go to a doctor, pharmacy or hospital. And if that is not necessary, the Symptom Checker gives them tips on how to treat their complaint.
CSS also seeks to encourage more self-responsibility when it comes to prevention. However, the possibilities here are limited as far as basic insurance is concerned if the principle of solidarity and risk compensation is not to be undermined. The offer must be voluntary and may only be made in connection with alternative insurance models that are taken out voluntarily. In addition, it must be open to all insured persons in this setting, regardless of their age and state of health. Health-conscious behaviour may not be rewarded through additional premium discounts or other benefits in kind. Only certain medical prevention measures can be exempted from the co-payment. This leads CSS to question whether this restriction is in keeping with the times or whether new approaches and incentives that would encourage health-promoting activities in a more targeted way should be considered.
CSS believes health literacy to be essential for taking personal responsibility in health matters. Health literacy helps people to navigate the healthcare system more efficiently, to prevent illness more effectively and to manage their own health with greater care. That is why CSS is committed to strengthening this literacy at various levels.
Your health partner
As a health partner, we are committed to leading a healthy life, actively taking steps to regain one's health and developing a mindful approach to illness.
