Cost Containment Remains a Permanent Task
Published: Tuesday, Sep 26th 2023, 13:26
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) announced that Swiss citizens will face the largest increase in health insurance premiums since 2010, with an 8.7% increase in 2024. This is due to the rising cost of healthcare, driven by demographic changes and medical-technical progress. Since 2012, the BAG has implemented measures to reduce costs, such as a 10% reduction in medication and laboratory prices, saving 140 million francs, and a 75% reduction in costs through the Health Technology Assessment Program. The federal tariff intervention in the Tarmed for medical services has also reduced costs by 470 million francs. The revision of two regulations, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024, will promote the use of cheaper generic drugs and biosimilars, which could save up to 250 million francs. The national program for the electronic patient record will also promote coordination and efficiency among service providers. The second cost-cutting package will be discussed in the current session of parliament, focusing on new models for setting medication prices.
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