Creating a High-Value German Health Care System: Overall Assessment and Recommendations

Abstract

The German health care system has achieved a great deal: universal health insurance for 84 million people, substantial choice of health plans regardless of financial means, a broad range of services covered, and free choice of providers. However, the system is clearly not achieving its full potential. No other part of Germany’s social security system has undergone as many changes, with 15 major health care reforms since 1975. However, there is a consensus that the system still has major weaknesses. Clearly, a robust strategy for fundamental reform has been lacking.