Austria Cuts Health Benefits, Raises Patient Costs in 2024

Austria's Health Insurance Slashes Benefits, Sparks Public Outrage Over Cost Hikes

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) has introduced sweeping cuts to patient benefits and raised out-of-pocket costs. The changes, approved in February without prior warning to those affected, will take effect from May. Critics, including senior groups and opposition politicians, have slammed the lack of transparency and the financial burden on vulnerable patients.

On February 19, the ÖGK’s general assembly signed off on a series of cost-cutting measures. No advance notice was given to insured individuals before the vote. Among the changes, orthodontic treatments now face stricter eligibility rules, with two diagnoses removed from the list of covered conditions. These new criteria came into force in early March.

From May 1, co-payments for dental prosthetics will climb from 25% to 30%. Patients facing financial hardship will remain exempt, but others will pay more out of pocket. Another adjustment targets extended sickness benefits: a mandatory medical review will now occur between the 63rd and 67th weeks of illness. Additionally, the family supplement for sickness benefits—previously available after the 42nd day of illness—has been scrapped for single parents and those with children whose partners lack income. Medical transport rules will also tighten in May. Only ambulatory patients with medically confirmed mobility limitations will have their transport costs covered. The move has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and politicians alike. Ingrid Korosec, head of the ÖVP-affiliated Senior Citizens’ League, condemned the reforms for their lack of transparency and the strain they place on older adults. Birgit Gerstorfer, president of the SPÖ-aligned Pensioners’ Association, called for immediate revisions and demanded negotiations with the Senior Citizens’ Council and other stakeholders. Ralph Schallmeiner, health spokesperson for the Greens, echoed these concerns, criticising the failure to notify patients properly. He urged the government to tap into its health reform fund to avoid such cuts.

The changes will push higher costs onto patients while reducing access to certain benefits. Dental prosthetics, medical transport, and sickness allowances are among the key areas affected. With opposition mounting, the ÖGK now faces pressure to reconsider the reforms and engage with those most impacted.