Germany’s Ministry of Health has stated they will have mandatory price negotiations on drug manufacturers as part of their health care reform.  One key element is to stop drug companies’ ability to set prices on new patented drugs without negotiating with insurers.   The Ministry of Health is also working towards:

*        A maximum price set for each drug.

*        Drug manufacturers will have to negotiate with health insurers for lower prices.

*        Drug companies would have to scientifically establish the use and value of new products.

*        Drug companies would have to show whether an innovative product is actually new or whether similar drugs already exist.

Note:  updated July 9, 2010

Coalition leaders meeting in Berlin today agreed to raise health premiums to 15.5 percent of gross pay from 14.9 percent ( http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-06/merkel-raises-german-health-premiums-to-15-5-of-gross-pay-to-plug-deficit.html ).   Employers will contribute 7.3 percent with 8.2 percent paid by employees.  “We’re including everybody, workers, employers and taxpayers,” Roesler said in a statement distributed to reporters in Berlin.

Good Neighbor Insurance provides overseas health insurance for those traveling and residing outside the US.  Even though Germany has national health care that can be utilized by non-German citizens, what happens if you need coverage outside of Germany or back in the US?  This is where Good Neighbor Insurance can help.  Check out our career plans at www.gninsurance.com/career_plans.asp for a variety of options that may fit your needs.

Doug Gulleson loves to scuba dive overseas and he makes sure he always takes his Amex card AND international travel insurance policy.  Visit Good Neighbor Insurance at www.gninsurance.com  for your next overseas trip and get a FREE quote.