From The Left
Around 72,000 people in Germany are officially without health insurance coverage. Ines Schwerdtner, chairwoman of the Die Linke party, and Ates Gürpinar, spokesman for health economics for the Die Linke parliamentary group, are calling on the federal government to quickly help those affected, for example by setting up clearing points.
“It is a scandal that more than 72,000 people in Germany are without health insurance. Although the number of unreported cases is much higher: several hundred thousand citizens probably have no insurance cover. This is life-threatening because access to medical care is difficult or even impossible for those affected. If they become ill, they are without help, are treated too late or, in the worst case, not treated at all. Illnesses are delayed or even lead to death.
The federal government is aware of the problem, but remains inactive. This is failure to provide assistance! For us on the left it is clear: health should not be a question of income. The best possible healthcare must be available to everyone. That’s why the two-tier medicine system in Germany must end. In general, we demand basic solidarity insurance for everyone! Everyone pays in, even the top earners. Solidarity health insurance must cover all needs: everyone receives all medically necessary services – without any ifs or buts!
Until then, we must help the people affected as quickly as possible. The Left is therefore calling for clearinghouses throughout Germany whose task is to protect people without health insurance coverage in the regular system. In this way, we can close the gaps in care, relieve the burden on local social services and avoid unnecessary costs for those affected.”
