Persisting in the face of tax reductions and layoffs, these pharmacists demonstrate unyielding resolve.
In a move aimed at cost-saving measures, health insurer AOK Nordost is directing the delivery of incontinence products through specialized service providers or online platforms, excluding local pharmacies from the supply chain. This decision, according to local pharmacists, may negatively impact the quality and ease of care for dependent individuals.
Since 2008, the flat rate for incontinence products has remained at 28.50 euros, but this is now being reduced to 19.16 euros. Pharmacists Wiebke Schick from the Löwen-Apotheke and Dr. Katharina Schmiedel from the Adler-Apotheke and the Greif-Apotheke, along with other pharmacists in Vorpommern, have expressed concerns about the worsening terms in the future.
The AOK justifies its approach by stating that it aims to ensure comprehensive and high-quality care for its insured, working with both regional and nationwide partners who have extensive experience in the delivery of incontinence aids. However, affected families are finding it difficult to find their trusted local pharmacist among the delivery partners provided by the insurance company.
Implications for care-dependent individuals and their relatives
- Reduced convenience and accessibility: Many care-dependent people and their families rely on local pharmacies for personalized advice, quick access, and direct support. Excluding pharmacies can make obtaining these products more complicated and less personal.
- Loss of expert guidance: Pharmacists often provide crucial guidance on product choice and usage, which can be lost when orders are routed through less personalized channels.
- Potential delays and errors: Centralized or online distribution systems may lead to longer delivery times or confusion over correct product types and quantities, impacting the well-being of those who need these products promptly.
- Increased burden on caregivers: Relatives who usually handle purchasing and management may face more complicated ordering processes, less flexibility, and reduced support.
The deadline for pharmacists to join the new supply contract is September 30, but policyholders should decide by August 1. Pharmacists are required to provide five colleagues with training as medical product advisors to meet the new AOK requirements. Some pharmacies may not be able to afford this personnel requirement.
Florian Köster, the chairman of the Digitalization Committee of the Pharmacists' Chamber MV, is advocating for pharmacies to continue providing comprehensive and excellent care for patients in the medical device sector. Köster finds the AOK's move against local pharmacies to save costs for the health insurance company at the expense of policyholders condemnable.
Local pharmacists are urging customers not to let themselves be put under time pressure or unsettled by the health insurance company and emphasize the benefits of local care on-site. A petition titled "Save the citizen-friendly, regional supply of incontinence products in the northeast" has been started to raise awareness of the issue.
Pharmacist Wiebke Schick finds the AOK's approach towards policyholders morally and legally questionable. She and other pharmacists believe that the AOK is putting customers under pressure and trying to create a fait accompli. Customers can contact their local pharmacy team for questions about contracts, products, and co-payments, and can still object to continue with the previous model if they have already signed and sent the prepared form.
