RWTH Aachen University Researchers Report on Findings in Equity in Health (Healthcare for individuals without health insurance in Germany – a mixed methods approach to assess the situation and current challenges): Health and Medicine – Equity in Health

2023 JUL 12 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- Fresh data on equity in health are presented in a new report. According to news originating from RWTH Aachen University by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “Health insurance is mandatory in Germany; nevertheless, many individuals there have no health insurance and depend on a parallel healthcare structure. Voluntary associations, such as MediNetz and healthcare vouchers (‘Anonymer Krankenschein’ - AKS), support uninsured citizens. This study aimed to provide insights into associations, such as MediNetz and AKS that provide healthcare for individuals without health insurance in North Rhine-Westphalia, the largest federal state in Germany.”

Financial supporters for this research include Rwth Aachen University.

Our news reporters obtained a quote from the research from RWTH Aachen University: “A mixed methods approach was chosen. A qualitative study using interviews with experts was performed to gain their knowledge and explore the various challenges that AKS and MediNetz associations faced and the possible improvements that could be made. A quantitative survey was conducted to analyse the demographic data of the patients who required AKS or MediNetz’s assistance and the characteristics of each association through a separate questionnaire. Data was received from the association in Aachen, Bielefeld, Bonn, Dusseldorf, and Essen. More women than men sought medical care; most were between 25 and 49 years old. The proportion of individuals without residency status accounted for the largest share (53.6%). Common reasons for patients to make contact were acute illnesses (40.2%) and pregnancies (22.3%). Most patients were sent to gynaecologists and general practitioners. Asking the experts, it became apparent that the existing system could not reach the standard of the regular healthcare in Germany. Financial and human resources were insufficient. Therefore, prevention was limited, especially chronically ill patients or patients with a severe illness requiring hospitalisation could not be treated. AKS had advantages compared to MediNetz, as the care came closer to the expected German medical standards.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “The results showed a demand for associations providing healthcare for individuals without health insurance. However, the healthcare provided by MediNetz and AKS did not reach the standard of healthcare in Germany and mainly depended on the organisations’ resources. Funded projects such as an AKS combined with clearing centres significantly improved healthcare. Until structural measures are implemented, they can be a transitional solution by spreading nationwide.”

For more information on this research see: Healthcare for individuals without health insurance in Germany - a mixed methods approach to assess the situation and current challenges. International Journal for Equity in Health, 2023,22(1):1-13. (International Journal for Equity in Health - http://www.equityhealthj.com/). The publisher for International Journal for Equity in Health is BMC.

A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-023-01930-6.

Our news journalists report that more information may be obtained by contacting Mathilde Stotzler, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University. Additional authors for this research include Andrea Kaifie.

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