Health Care

SPD

Gerhard Schröder's party wants to turn health insurance into "citizens' insurance." That would mean that every insurance company – whether private or state-run – would be required to insure every citizen regardless of risk. There would be no distinction between private and statutory insurance plans, and no opting out of the system for big-earners, freelancers and civil servants as is currently the case. The insurance fees would depend on income: the higher the pay, the higher the insurance rate. In the future, wages, salaries and pensions would all be calculated into the equation as would private capital dividends; however, earnings from rental property would be excluded. Under the party's plan, all family members without an income would be co-insured along with the main income-earner. In addition to the citizens' insurance, the SPD plans on building up a citizens' nursing care insurance" which would cover for long-term services for the sick or elderly.

CDU/CSU

The union bloc plans on introducing a "solidarity-based health premium." That would mean that every adult pays the same constant insurance fee regardless of income. The exact percent, which is not mentioned in the parties' election platform, would be altered slightly to take into account lower incomes. The dual system, which requires both workers and their employers to pay a portion of the insurance coverage, would be kept under the CDU/CSU, but the rate due by the employer would remain constant. For pensioners, the employer's portion would be taken out of the retirement insurance. Children will not be required to pay insurance – instead it will be paid for out of tax revenues. The union plans to increase competition among the various state and private insurance providers. For nursing care coverage, the CDU and CSU intend on introducing a capital-based plan during their first legislative period.

The Greens

The Greens platform calls for a citizens' health insurance, in which everyone pays a fee based on income. Services and coverage provided by the insurance plans will be based on cost developments in the health care branch. All coverage for the handicapped should be written in law so that the financial support for those patients does not dependent on the financial situation of the federal budget.

FDP

The business-friendly FDP wants to do away with the statutory health and nursing care insurance plans. Each citizen should insure himself privately and determine for himself which plan is best suited for the individual situation. A minimum insurance coverage would be required by law, but anything above or beyond is a private choice. Health and nursing care coverage for children and the otherwise disenfranchised should be covered by tax revenues.

The Left Party

The party of Oscar Lafontaine and Gregor Gysi calls for a "solidarity-based citizens' insurance," which would include all professions and income levels in a statutory health and nursing care plan.