AOK policy positions: Quality and competition
The AOK advocates a sustainable health policy informed by these key principles.
- More competition is necessary within the health care system. Competition between service providers - in the inpatient as well as the outpatient sector - raises the efficiency and quality of medical services.
- Health insurance funds need to play a strong role in managing an efficient and qualityfocused system of health care provision.
- Evidence-based medicine ensures good care. Therefore, the AOK will continue to invest in innovative care packages - tailored, for example, to the needs of the chronically ill.
- The principle of solidarity is the very foundation of statutory health insurance. Every member is entitled to the same benefits, regardless of his or her income, marital status or - most importantly - individual risk of ill health.
- Self-administered health insurance funds with equal representation has been a successful model for over 125 years. Employee and employer representatives should continue to have a say on how the AOK develops.