The Swiss healthcare system is undergoing significant changes as the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announces an expansion of the benefits catalog for compulsory basic health insurance (OKP), effective January 2025. This decision is expected to lead to an increase in health insurance premiums, raising concerns among citizens and policymakers.
One notable change is the inclusion of helmet therapy for children with cranial deformities in the list of services covered by basic insurance. Previously, this treatment was funded by disability insurance (IV), but due to specific eligibility criteria, the financial burden will now shift to health insurance companies. This adjustment highlights the increasing costs within the Swiss healthcare system as more services are added to the basic insurance coverage.
The FOPH's decision to permanently include the Mpox vaccination in the benefits catalog raises concerns about escalating healthcare costs. Initially introduced as a temporary measure during a public health emergency, the ongoing coverage of this vaccine could lead to substantial financial implications. With the cost of the vaccine estimated at CHF 210 per dose, if just half of the Swiss population opts for vaccination, the total expenditure could exceed CHF 1 billion. This scenario emphasizes the potential for new expenses to accumulate within the compulsory health insurance framework, particularly if vaccinations are administered without a direct risk of exposure.
In addition to the Mpox vaccination, the benefits catalog will also include other services such as gentle sterile dressings and thickening agents for diets. Furthermore, the early detection program for bowel cancer in the canton of Solothurn will be exempt from deductibles starting in January 2025. While these additions may enhance healthcare access for some, they also contribute to the growing financial strain on the healthcare system as new services are continuously introduced without the elimination of existing expenditures.
Despite the ongoing expansion of services covered by basic insurance, there is a lack of measures aimed at reducing costs or eliminating unnecessary medical examinations. Medical experts have pointed out that many procedures currently reimbursed by basic insurance may not be necessary, yet the FOPH continues to add new services without addressing inefficiencies within the system. This approach raises questions about the sustainability of the healthcare model in Switzerland as the influx of new benefits inevitably leads to higher overall expenditures.
Critics argue that the current administration, led by Minister Baume-Schneider, is failing to implement effective cost-control strategies. Instead of fostering discussions around necessary reforms, the focus appears to be on expanding coverage, benefiting lobbyists who profit from increased spending. As the healthcare system grapples with rising costs, the public is left to ponder the implications of these changes, particularly regarding the allocation of resources for elderly care and the extension of life for seriously ill patients.
The financial landscape of Swiss healthcare is at a crossroads, with the potential for billions in new expenditures looming on the horizon. As the FOPH continues to drive up costs through the expansion of basic insurance benefits, stakeholders must engage in a critical dialogue about the future of healthcare funding and the balance between access and affordability.