Efas-Yes as proof of successful solutions in the healthcare sector
Published: Sunday, Nov 24th 2024, 19:20
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Supporters of the Efas proposal interpreted the voters' yes vote on Sunday as proof that reforms in the healthcare system are possible. Existing false incentives would now be eliminated. Opponents warned that premiums could rise due to the inclusion of long-term care.
The reform is broadly supported and all stakeholders have approached each other in recent years, wrote the Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (GDK) in a statement. This is an important signal for all those who are committed to a sustainable, affordable healthcare system. "Uniform financing is not a magic pill, but it lays the foundation for further development steps in the healthcare system."
The representatives of the Yes campaign also saw the Yes vote as proof that healthcare reforms are possible in Switzerland. The principle of "outpatient before inpatient" saves money overall. But today, misguided financing means that premium payers do not benefit from the cost advantages. This has so far slowed down the shift to the outpatient sector. "This system error is now being corrected."
"Historic yes"
Of the political parties, the SVP, the FDP and the Center Party welcomed the adoption of Efas. After numerous attempts at reform in the healthcare sector, the population has agreed to a central measure to contain healthcare costs and reduce the burden on health insurance premiums, wrote the Center Party.
The SVP was pleased that the reform would correct false incentives in the healthcare system and save costs. And the FDP called the yes vote a "ray of hope for premium payers". This was an important first step towards making the healthcare system more transparent and efficient.
The hospital association H+ also emphasized that the Yes vote would eliminate false incentives. The uniform financing would promote more cost-effective and medically appropriate service provision. The health insurance association Curafutura went one step further and spoke of a "historic yes". This was "a victory for the healthcare system, patients and premium payers".
Fears of rising premiums
Opponents of the bill described the "yes" vote as bad news for patients and warned of the consequences. The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB), for example, wrote that because long-term care would be included in future, insured persons would have to be protected from an escalating additional burden due to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
The Vice President of the SPO patient organization, Baptiste Hurni, also feared an explosion in premiums due to long-term care. In addition, insurers could gain more power. The SP anticipated poorer working conditions for nursing staff.
It also warned against more direct cost sharing for everyone and higher health insurance premiums. The Greens called for a change in the system towards income- and asset-based health insurance premiums. The "plaster policy" of the Federal Council and Parliament was no longer sufficient.
There was no reaction from Santésuisse, the industry organization of health insurers, until early Sunday evening. In the run-up to the vote, the association had expressed skepticism about Efas and stated that the bill would not solve the fundamental problem of excessively rising healthcare costs. It also rejected the integration of long-term care.
©Keystone/SDA
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