Hangin' in the Homestretch: Brandenburg's Push for Free Emergency Ambulance Rides
Unresolved expenses for free rescue operation - Unresolved cost disputes hampering the progress of a free rescue operation
Hey there! Time for a quick chat about what's happening in Brandenburg with the ambulance service situation.
It's almost a done deal—or so they hope—as Brandenburg districts are in crunch time finalizing negotiations for free emergency rides for citizens. The goal? Zero cost for patients when they ride with the ambulance. By the end of June, citizens should be rid of any pesky cost notices related to emergencies.
Johannes Wagner, the district association's big boss, shared that negotiations between the eight budget-constrained districts and health insurance associations are still chugging along positively. According to him, "All parties involved are giving it their all to establish a long-lasting, legally solid foundation for future ambulance service fee calculations."
A powwow between the districts and insurers is on the calendar for June 30 with Health Minister Britta Müller (independent, representing BSW). They've managed to agree on vehicle depreciation, but no pact regarding false alarms has been signed. The clock is ticking, as the peace obligation is about to expire. Plus, the districts are losing revenue left and right.
Ain't No (Fixed) Money Coming In
Since the New Year, health insurers have only been shelling out fixed rates for ambulance services until the districts and insurers figure out a new payment schedule. The districts of Barnim, Oberhavel, Märkisch-Oderland, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Oder-Spree, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Teltow-Fläming, and Spree-Neiße haven't struck a deal with the insurers yet. The district association is screamin' foul, claiming these fixed rates are illegal. In March, Märkisch-Oderland started sending bills to patients.
The other districts and independent cities have signed dotted lines with the insurers on a payment system. However, Frankfurt (Oder) is lookin' to mix things up due to revenue deficits, as reported by the "Märkische Oderzeitung" (Friday/Print). They wanna know what those eight districts are workin' on, and they sure don't want the patients footin' the bill.
The Ministry of Health has a positive outlook. Michael Zaske, the health department's head honcho, stated in the health committee on June 4 that the districts and insurers are on the right track. With the next meeting scheduled for June 30, he said, "We'd love to hear that implementation has been reported and that the joint cost-performance accounting is on the table."
- Brandenburg
- District
- Potsdam
- Finish Line
- Märkisch-Oderland
In the midst of Brandenburg's push for free emergency ambulance rides, discussions about long-lasting, legally solid foundations for future ambulance service fee calculations are ongoing, as revealed by Johannes Wagner, the district association's leader. Furthermore, the importance of science and health-and-wellness is emphasized in the context of vocational training, as medical-conditions and general-news might highlight potential advancements in this field, particularly regarding community policy and vocational training for healthcare professionals.
