In their coalition agreement, the Red-Red-Green Berlin federal government agreed to introduce an anonymous healthcare in the form of a pilot project. After much debate – debate that we fought in – it was agreed that healthcare for those without regularized residential status would be secured through an anonymous health pass (Anonymer Krankenschein – AK). After long negotiations with Berlin’s federal government and by means of public pressure, the issue is finally on the agenda. An annual sum of € 1.5 million has been allocated in Berlin’s government budget for both personnel and treatment expenses. It was agreed that by 2018, these funds were supposed to be used for setting up a clearinghouse that provides advice on possible ways of obtaining a safe residential status and health care. In cases where neither options are possible, patients would receive an anonymous health pass (AK) that allows them to visit doctors and receive medical treatment.
As of now, no concrete steps have been taken in order to realize this plan. The concept the Berlin senate adopted on March 27 remains vague. Important questions that include the matter of which institution will operate the clearinghouse, its billing modalities, and the ability to choose doctors freely are still unanswered. Even though the senate has been advised for several months by experts/stakeholders with practical experience, it is delaying the project immensely at the moment. Many people in Berlin are still denied access to healthcare despite having a legal to it / being legally entitled to it. Access to healthcare for persons without residence remains extremely limited and without «voluntary» work it would not be possible at all.
Solidarity City demands fast and effective realization of the plan to introduce an Anonymous Health Pass. The Berlin senate now has to prove the political will it has expressed loudly over the last months by this realization. Due to its limited funding and its restricted access to health services (according to Asylum Seekers› Benefit Act / Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz), the concept of the Anonymous Health Pass must still be considered a compromise and a temporary solution. That is why we continue to demand the inclusion of all people living here into the regular health insurance, regardless of their status.