Reform proposals for the provision of assistive devices: WvD sees both positive and negative aspects.

We provide services in Germany and have evaluated the recommendations of the Finance Commission on Health regarding the provision of assistive devices. The evaluation includes positive aspects, but also critical points.

For the upcoming reform of the statutory health insurance system, the German Federal Government has commissioned a committee to develop reform recommendations. At the end of March, the Finance Commission on Health presented its first report with 66 reform proposals aimed at stabilizing the contribution rate for statutory health insurance from 2027 onwards. The focus is on cost-saving measures to curb rapidly rising expenditures and close funding gaps.

The association "We supply Germany" (WvD), to which the Federal Guild Association for Orthopedic Technology The commission's recommendations on assistive device provision are viewed in a nuanced way. It is positive that the commission does not describe assistive device provision as a blanket main cost driver, but rather as a differentiated service area with many groups of assistive devices, different supply situations, and individual patient needs. 

Do not hinder long-term reforms

Report of the Finance CommissionHere you will find the full report of the Finance Commission on Health appointed by the Federal Government.It is also true that the commission addresses fiscal policy shortcomings on the revenue side, particularly regarding citizen's income contributions, the federal subsidy, and non-insurance-related benefits. However, the association is critical of the order in which policymakers have proposed the measures. The current report provides measures that will be effective in the short term, starting in 2027. Proposals for medium- and long-term structural reforms are to be presented in a second report, which is not expected until the end of this year. 

At the same time, the report describes how important structural reforms – including digital transformation, the shift towards outpatient care, and improved coordination of patient pathways – have not yet had their full effect. Therefore, according to the WvD, short-term consolidation measures must not be implemented in a way that hinders long-term reforms, as these are crucial for sustained efficiency and quality of care.

Assistive device provision cannot be standardized

"The provision of assistive devices is not a standardized area of ​​in-kind benefits. It is part of a quality-assured care system in which medical devices, specialist services, individual adjustments, and aftercare work together. Quality here does not arise solely from the medical device used, but from the interplay of indication, selection, adjustment, consultation, instruction, aftercare, and the success of the care in everyday life," said WvD. 

The Commission classifies the reintroduction of tenders for assistive devices in category B, as measures must be weighed against the specific needs of each care sector. It considers fixed amounts justifiable only where assistive device groups are well standardized and there is little need for consultation or adjustments.

WvD demands a binding implementation agenda

Statement on the recommendationsHere you can read the WvD's detailed statement on the recommendations of the Finance Commission.At the same time, the report shows that the real efficiency reserves do not primarily lie in cutting necessary services, but rather in better data, practical digitalization, and more efficient processes. The commission calls for self-representative cost surveys, describes digital efficiency potentials, and criticizes historically outdated auditing methods that are no longer appropriate under today's digital conditions.

"From WvD's perspective, this must now lead to a binding implementation agenda for digital transformation: fewer media breaks, fewer duplicate processes, greater digital process security, and faster integration of proven solutions into standard care. The concepts already exist."

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