27 March 2020 – Increased financial support for hospitals

Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Financial aid to health services
Level of Jurisdiction: National

Overview: The German Parliament passed a law to financially support hospitals, which are preparing for an increase in COVID-19 patients. Bed capacities are being increased and additional intensive care treatment options created.

The Covid-19 Hospital Relief Act contains a number of measures to secure the financing of hospitals and ensure that they remain solvent. For postponed plannable operations and treatments, hospitals receive financial compensation from the liquidity reserve of the Health Fund. This is refinanced from the federal budget.

Until the end of September, hospitals will receive a flat rate of 560 euros per day for each bed that is kept free. For each additional intensive care bed that the hospitals create, they will receive a bonus of 50,000 euros.

For additional costs, especially for personal protective equipment, hospitals will receive a temporary bonus of 50 euros per patient. It can be extended and raised if necessary. The provisional nursing fee will be increased by around 38 euros to 185 euros per day.
Full details here: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/krankenhaeuser-medizin-pflege-1734982