Negotiations Continue for Free Emergency Ambulance Rides in Brandenburg

In Brandenburg, discussions are ongoing among eight counties regarding the implementation of free emergency ambulance services. As the deadline of June 30 approaches, the urgency to reach an agreement with health insurance companies intensifies. The objective is to ensure that patients do not incur any costs for ambulance rides.

Johannes Wagner, the managing director of the County Association, expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating that the dialogues remain constructive and focused on finding solutions. All parties involved are diligently working towards establishing a sustainable and legally sound framework for calculating ambulance service fees.

A key meeting is scheduled for June 30 between the counties and health insurance representatives, facilitated by Health Minister Britta Müller. While some progress has been made regarding the depreciation of ambulance vehicles, no agreement has yet been reached concerning charges for non-emergency rides. The urgency of reaching a consensus is heightened by the expiration of the peace obligation, which previously prevented the implementation of new charges. Additionally, the counties are experiencing increasing revenue shortfalls.

Since January 1, health insurance companies have been paying only fixed rates for ambulance services. Until a new calculation is agreed upon with the counties, this has led to financial shortfalls for many regions. The affected counties include Barnim, Oberhavel, Märkisch-Oderland, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Oder-Spree, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Teltow-Fläming, and Spree-Neiße, all of which have yet to finalize agreements with the insurers. The County Association has raised concerns about the legality of these fixed rates.

In March, Märkisch-Oderland began sending out bills to patients for ambulance services, indicating the growing financial strain on local governments. Other counties and independent cities have managed to reach agreements with health insurance companies regarding service fee calculations. However, reports indicate that Frankfurt (Oder) is now reconsidering its arrangements due to revenue losses and intends to observe the outcomes of the negotiations among the eight counties.

The Health Ministry has expressed cautious optimism regarding the situation. During a recent health committee meeting, Michael Zaske, the head of the health department, noted that both counties and insurers have indicated that they are on a promising path. Looking ahead to the upcoming meeting, he expressed hope that a comprehensive cost-performance agreement will be finalized, allowing for a more transparent and equitable calculation of ambulance service fees.