Political parties Mitte Schweiz wants to overcome blockades in healthcare policy

At its delegates' meeting on Saturday in Wettingen AG, Die Mitte Schweiz intends to adopt a manifesto for healthcare. The party will also adopt the slogan for the amendment to the Health Insurance Act, which will be put to a popular vote in November.

According to the program, the center will present demands "for an affordable and accessible healthcare system for all" on Saturday. In a panel discussion, experts will talk about how the current blockade in Swiss healthcare policy could be resolved.

Premiums are exploding because the healthcare system is incapable of reforming itself, according to a position paper from the centrist party. Uniform financing of healthcare services (Efas), as provided for in the revised Health Insurance Act, is intended to curb rising healthcare costs.

Outpatient before inpatient

The bill, which will be put to the Swiss electorate on November 24, is based on a 2009 proposal by former Aargau Central National Councillor Ruth Humbel.

With Efas, outpatient and inpatient healthcare services are to be financed uniformly. Today, inpatient treatment is paid for by the cantons and health insurance companies, while outpatient treatment is covered solely by health insurance companies.

The bill is intended to create an incentive for a shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment, which should lead to lower healthcare costs.

Reduce overpriced tariffs

The Center also calls for "overpriced tariffs and drug prices" to be reduced in order to avoid false incentives for unnecessary treatment. The care initiative adopted by the people should also be implemented in order to improve working conditions for care professionals.

At the meeting, arguments will also be presented for a Yes vote on the reform of the second pillar, which will be voted on by the electorate on September 22. The program includes a discussion with Viola Amherd, a member of the Federal Council from the canton of Valais, during which she will provide insights into her year as President of the Swiss Confederation.