Proposed Reforms in Health Insurance
As a result of recent developments, the government is casting about, on one hand, for new forms of taxation, and, on the other hand, for opportunities to economize. One plan that is being worked out is to reduce the expenditures for minor illnesses, and, by requiring patients to pay a larger proportionate share of the cost, to effect an economy of from 250,000,000 to 300,000,000 marks ($60,000,000 to $72,000,000). Another reform that is planned is the devising of means by which heavier penalties may be imposed on physicians who treat insured persons who are not actually ill. It is urged that such physicians be required to pay damages to the government. In order to reduce by at least 20 per cent the number of cases of illness in which treatment is demanded, a fee of 1 mark (24 cents) for the certificate of illness is