Baume-Schneider calls on healthcare stakeholders to save money
Published: Sunday, Jun 9th 2024, 18:00
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Despite the clear rejection of the two premium initiatives, Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has called the various players in the healthcare system to account: Further proposals are needed quickly to curb the rise in costs.
"I urge all those involved: Take your share of the responsibility and submit concrete savings proposals that are acceptable to a majority," the Federal Councillor told the media in Bern on Sunday. She expects a "fruitful exchange".
Baume-Schneider announced the next round table on curbing healthcare costs for the fall. "Only together can we get the costs under control."
Support is also needed for projects that are already on the table. The Minister of Health mentioned, for example, the second cost containment package, which the Council of States will be discussing next week, and the bill on uniform financing in the healthcare system, which is expected to be put to the vote at the end of the year.
According to Baume-Schneider, both proposals could save several hundred million francs a year. She also hopes that the two counter-proposals, which will come into force after the no vote on the two premium initiatives, will also provide relief, provided no referendum is held against them.
New rules planned for 2026
The counter-proposal to the premium relief initiative places greater responsibility on the cantons. They would have to provide more money for premium reductions if the premium burden continues to increase, said Baume-Schneider. "All cantons must join in."
Baume-Schneider wants to submit the draft ordinance for the implementation of the counter-proposal for consultation this year and adopt it next year. From 2026, the cantons will be obliged to do more.
The same should apply to the counter-proposal to the cost brake initiative. From 2026, transparency in the healthcare system is to increase, including through defined cost targets. The aim is to make better use of the savings potential.
"The population expects measures against the rising premium burden - and rightly so," said Baume-Schneider. Unnecessary benefits and duplication must be eliminated. Addressing the Latin cantons in particular, most of which were in favor of the initiatives, Baume-Schneider said: "Your concerns have been understood, improvements are needed."
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