Healthcare for individuals without health insurance in Germany - a mixed methods approach to assess the situation and current challenges.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany; nevertheless, many individuals there have no health insurance and depend on a parallel healthcare structure. Voluntary associations, such as MediNetz and healthcare vouchers ("Anonymer Krankenschein" - AKS), support uninsured citizens. This study aimed to provide insights into associations, such as MediNetz and AKS that provide healthcare for individuals without health insurance in North Rhine-Westphalia, the largest federal state in Germany.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was chosen. A qualitative study using interviews with experts was performed to gain their knowledge and explore the various challenges that AKS and MediNetz associations faced and the possible improvements that could be made. A quantitative survey was

SUBMITTER: Stotzler M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10280908 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature