There is still no negotiated solution for corona tests, which have been subject to a fee at the doctor’s since April 1 (even in suspected cases). The basic aim is for the health insurance company to cover the costs, but only for high-risk patients. The sticking point is the amount of the fee. A proposal from the Medical Association is now being “examined” by the umbrella organization of social insurance, the association told APA on Friday, and they hope to reach an agreement soon.
Back in May, Vice President of the Medical Association Edgar Wutscher pointed out that, in the interests of patients, we had to be prepared for the autumn, as a new increase in cases was expected. Such an increase has now already begun over the summer – earlier than in 2023, as one Looking at the Covid wastewater data shows.
Federal government no longer covers costs for corona tests
The negotiations have been dragging on for months: since April, the federal government has no longer covered the costs of the antigen tests. Even then, it was planned that a solution would be found via social insurance. Such a solution had originally been announced for mid-April: on April 2, the chairman of the Conference of Social Insurance Institutions, Peter Lehner, had already announced to the APA after a round of negotiations with the Medical Association that a solution would be presented “in around 14 days”.
The last announcement was in mid-July that a solution had been worked out and would now be voted on by the committees. The chairman of the Conference of Social Insurance Institutions, Peter Lehner, explained in a written statement to the APA that the “latest date” for presenting a solution would be the beginning of August. Vice President of the Medical Association Wutscher also spoke at the time of “timely finalization”.
The tests were free for those suspected of having corona in the doctor’s offices until the end of March, and the federal government covered the costs until then. A positive corona test is a prerequisite for high-risk patients to be entitled to the antiviral drug Paxlovid. At the moment, a Covid test is offered by the doctor to his patient as a private service. A reimbursement of five euros per test can be claimed from the health insurance company.
(Source: APA)
Corona Tests: Still No Solution in Sight for Fee Coverage
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, a pressing issue remains unresolved in Austria: who should cover the costs of corona tests at doctor’s offices? Since April 1, patients have been required to pay for these tests out of pocket, even in suspected cases. The goal is for health insurance companies to bear the costs, but only for high-risk patients. However, the sticking point remains the amount of the fee, leaving patients and healthcare professionals in limbo.
No Coverage for Corona Tests: A Long-Standing Issue
The federal government stopped covering the costs of antigen tests back in April, with the intention of finding a solution through social insurance. Despite initial promises of a swift resolution, months have passed without a concrete agreement. In mid-April, the chairman of the Conference of Social Insurance Institutions, Peter Lehner, announced that a solution would be presented within 14 days. However, this deadline was repeatedly pushed back, with the latest promise of a solution being presented by the beginning of August.
High-Risk Patients Left Unprotected
The Medical Association has emphasized the need for a negotiated solution, particularly for high-risk patients who require regular testing. Vice President Edgar Wutscher warned back in May that Austria needed to be prepared for an anticipated surge in cases come autumn. Unfortunately, this increase has already begun to materialize over the summer, according to Covid wastewater data.
A Proposal on the Table, But No Agreement in Sight
A recent proposal from the Medical Association is currently being “examined” by the umbrella organization of social insurance. While the association hopes to reach an agreement soon, the lack of progress is causing concern among patients and healthcare professionals alike. With the pandemic showing no signs of abating, it is essential that a solution is found to ensure that those who need testing can access it without financial burden.
The Consequences of Delay
The ongoing stalemate has significant implications for public health. Without a clear agreement on fee coverage, patients may be deterred from seeking testing, leading to undiagnosed cases and further spread of the virus. Healthcare professionals, too, are affected, as they struggle to balance the need for testing with the financial constraints of their patients.
A Call to Action
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: a negotiated solution is urgently needed to protect high-risk patients and ensure that Austria is prepared for the ongoing pandemic. The government, social insurance companies, and healthcare professionals must come together to find a resolution that prioritizes public health and access to essential medical services.
Key Takeaways
Corona tests at doctor’s offices have been subject to a fee since April 1, even in suspected cases.
The goal is for health insurance companies to cover costs, but only for high-risk patients.
The sticking point remains the amount of the fee, with no agreement in sight.
A proposal from the Medical Association is being examined by the umbrella organization of social insurance.
* The lack of progress has significant implications for public health and access to medical services.
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