title: Implications of the EU patients' rights directive in cross-border healthcare on the German sickness fund system.
abstract: We examine the implications of the EU directive on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare on the German sickness fund system. Since Germany implemented most requirements of the directive already in 2004, we first review Germany's experience with EU cross-border healthcare. We then focus on the possible effects of increased EU cross-border healthcare. While this gives patients more choice, the German sickness fund system faces a number of challenges. EU cross-border care may undermine efforts to keep healthcare expenditure under control. Cross-border care can also increase inequality of access. Furthermore, promoting cross-border care can be a means for sickness funds to attract good risks. We discuss these challenges and point out possible policy responses.
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kifmann
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wagner
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D005062:European Union; D005858:Germany; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D057193:Medical Tourism / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000191:economics*