Eastern Switzerland No rapid increase in premium reduction in the canton of St. Gallen
Following the No to the premium reduction initiative, a counter-proposal with an expansion of the premium reduction is expected to come into force. The details are not yet known. The St. Gallen government rejects a premature increase in funding. The maximum volume is already being paid, according to the response to an SP proposal.
02.07.2024, 15:35
SDA
The SP's premium relief initiative was rejected in the federal vote on June 9. This means that a counter-proposal by the Federal Council is likely to be implemented, which would also increase the funds for premium reductions. The condition is still that a referendum is not held against it.
In a motion submitted in June, the SP parliamentary group states that the canton of St. Gallen has a lot of catching up to do. The government should start the preparatory work so that the counter-proposal can be implemented as quickly as possible. An initial increase in contributions could already be planned for the 2025 budget as part of a phased approach.
The government rejects this. In its response, it states that the federal government's specifications are still missing. Moreover, a corresponding draft ordinance will first be submitted for consultation. It also notes that funding in the canton has been increased in recent years. The criteria of the counter-proposal could already be fulfilled.
A transitional period of two years is also envisaged, during which St. Gallen would not be obliged to increase the amount. As the current maximum volume is already budgeted for 2025, a further increase in funding is not possible.
