Incidentally only used the skiing example, not as an example of costs of insurance but in the use of the word “common” and because Fatmanfilms is a keen skier.
Not really. Not sure about Switzerland but in the UK, according to wikipedia, the average age for surgery is 42 and in the national health service there, only one re-assignment operation was carried out on someone under 21 in the last nine years.
It appears to be more in Switzerland but still, it’s not common and, relative to everything else, not a statistically significant use of health insurance funds.
Exactly, for the self employed it is the employers contributions. And whilst surgery is fortunately done relatively late, that is not always the case with hormone therapy.
Maybe there are simpler answers: a business employs a relative to work as Spitex for an elder relative. The relative gets a “wage” while the business keeps more than half of total income coming from health insurance companies and municipalities:
Since a ruling by the Federal Court in 2019, people who care for relatives can be paid for these services. They cannot bill directly, but can be employed by a Spitex organization. This pays the caring relatives a certain hourly rate, in Aargau between 35 and 37.50 francs. However, Spitex (organization) receives more: According to the Care Ordinance, the rate for a “spatially limited service provision” is 78.10 francs.
These costs are paid by the health insurance companies, whose share amounts to 52.60 francs per hour. The difference is covered by the caregiver’s local authority, with a remaining contribution of 25.50 francs. For the Spitex organizations that employ family caregivers, this is a lucrative business: they make a good 40 francs per hour charged. Although they also have to finance non-wage labor costs, administrative expenses and quality assurance, the model is clearly worthwhile.
New figures from the health insurance association Santésuisse confirm this dynamic: “By 2024, the costs of caring for relatives across Switzerland will rise to an estimated 100 million francs,” the association said in response to a request. This is money that is borne by the health insurance company and that the premium payers will ultimately have to shell out.
The minimum deductible for mandatory health insurance is to be increased. Parliament is thus forcing the population to pay even more for healthcare services out of their own pockets in the future – despite already sharply rising health insurance premiums. It is now up to the Federal Council to determine the exact increase in the minimum deductible. Consumer protection organizations have sharply criticized the increase.
The National Council adopted the corresponding motion today , following the Council of States’ approval in September 2024. “The Swiss population has to bear an above-average share of costs compared to other countries,” said Sara Stalder, Managing Director of Consumer Protection, criticizing the decision to increase the minimum deductible. “Long-term, effective measures are needed to curb healthcare costs. This would already be possible today without any loss of quality, for example, if doctor and hospital bills were understandable and independently audited, or if overprovision were stopped,” Stalder said, citing examples of where this lever could be applied more effectively
yep, it’s easier to put it all on the people than get contracts sorted. Medication for Swiss? Cool, add 200% to the price.
Kick all these medical lobbyists out the Wandelhalle"(foyer) at the Bundeshaus (federal parliament building) and our politions might start thinking for themselves again.
That is if their brains have not necrotized by now. It’s worth a try, otherwise we have to exchange the whole lot next time.
Not only but they seem to put more weight on pleasing the lobbyists than the people.
Maybe we should all start hanging out in the “Wandelhalle”, outnumbering the lobbyists.