In recent years, the costs of basic insurance at CSS and Helsana have seen significant increases, leading to concerns about even higher health insurance premiums in the future. According to a report by Heinz Locher, a health economist, these increases may be indicative of a new trend rather than just a catch-up effect from the pandemic.
In 2024, premiums for basic insurance rose by an average of 8.7%, following a 6.6% increase the previous year. Both CSS and Helsana reported losses on basic insurance in 2023, with costs rising by 8% for CSS and 4.7% for Helsana. The financial difficulties and rising personnel costs due to labor shortages are some of the factors that have contributed to the rising expenses for basic insurance.
Experts recommend several solutions to address the imbalance in the Swiss healthcare system. One solution is to review the catalog of basic insurance benefits and utilize Health Technology Assessments (HTA) to check costs. Another solution is to implement flat rates per treatment case and encourage smarter medical practices. Increasing the minimum deductible for patients and making service providers more responsible for costs are also potential solutions to help curb rising health insurance premiums.
The rise in premiums has led to concerns among Swiss citizens about their ability to afford healthcare in the future. However, experts believe that if steps are taken now, it may be possible to prevent further significant premium increases in the coming years.
In conclusion, it is clear that addressing the rising costs of basic insurance is crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable Swiss healthcare system. By implementing these solutions, we can ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare while also ensuring that our healthcare providers remain financially stable and able to provide high-quality care.
