Economic pressure on hospitals is steadily increasing. Hospitals in rural areas, in particular, face major challenges. Against this backdrop, one tool is becoming increasingly important—one that often receives less attention in the discussion of hospital reform: the service guarantee surcharge.
The good news: The hospital reform does not eliminate this possibility. Hospitals eligible for the service guarantee surcharge will still be able to receive it in the future.
It is worth taking a closer look at the actual financial potential here. A security surcharge is by no means limited to the frequently cited flat-rate surcharges for hospitals in rural areas ranging from 500 T€ to 1 Mio. €. Depending on the size of the deficit of the essential facilities.
Of particular interest: Under certain conditions, it is still possible to negotiate a security surcharge even for past years. Most recently, “aktiva GmbH” assisted in negotiating security surcharges for the years 2021 through 2024. For hospitals that have incurred structurally-related deficits in recent years, it may therefore be well worth taking a look back.
In light of increasing cost pressures, the following should therefore be examined:
- Does the facility meet the requirements for a security surcharge?
- Are there still claims or opportunities for negotiation regarding past years?
- And does the surcharge applied to date truly reflect the amount of the structurally induced deficit appropriately?
Now, more than ever, it may be worthwhile to systematically put the issue of the security surcharge back on the agenda. We would be happy to assist you with this—whether it involves reviewing the criteria, determining the justified amount of the security surcharge, or supporting you during negotiations.