title: [After one year of German Health System Modernization Act--current position and perspectives of the German healthcare reform from a political point of view].
abstract: One year after the introduction of the German Health System Modernisation Act (GMG) it is still too early to take stock of its effects in a comprehensive way. Nevertheless trends may be observed and assessed. The targeted financial consolidation of the Statutory Health Insurance has been achieved (prematurely). Many players involved in healthcare make use of the new opportunities provided by the regulations of the benefits, contribution and contractual law. For example, this applies to establishing ambulatory healthcare centres or integrated care. The development of drug prices still remains a problem. This is why more healthcare reforms will be inevitable. The next reform will focus on ensuring that the funding of healthcare expenditures be sustainable and socially equitable.
authors.affiliation: Abteilungsleiter Krankenversicherung, Pflegischerung, Gesundheitsversorgung im Bundesministerium für Gesundheit und Soziale Sicherung, Berlin.
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Knieps
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D005858:Germany; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D011057:Politics; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care