Austrian Health Insurer Considers Doctor Visit Co-payments

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) is considering several measures to reduce healthcare costs and manage patient demand, according to an internal strategy document. Proposed changes include introducing tiered co-payments for doctor visits to discourage unnecessary appointments and optimize service frequency.

One of the most controversial proposals involves ending ÖGK reimbursement for visits to private, non-contracted doctors, known as Wahlärzte. The document suggests that funds saved from this measure could be redirected to make services within the public insurance system more attractive. To mitigate financial impact on low-income individuals, the paper mentions the possibility of an income-based cap on prescription charges and medical costs.

ÖGK chairman Peter McDonald confirmed the contents of the document but noted that the proposals are not final decisions. He advocated for an open discussion on “completely new approaches” to reform the system. The proposals have faced immediate political opposition; Health Minister Korinna Schumann of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) criticized the potential for healthcare access to become dependent on personal wealth.