Parliament wants patients to pay more for health costs
The Senate has approved a controversial proposal to raise the minimum amount to be paid by patients for health services before the health insurance takes over coverage.
Following an earlier decision by the other parliamentary chamber, the House of Representatives, the Senate on Tuesday agreed to increase the deductible to CHF350 ($350) annually under certain conditions.
Supporters said the CHF50 hike would help reduce health costs and encourage patients to make less frequent use of medical products and services.
Opponents, notably from the political left, warned that the increase would cause hardship for the less well-off who could no longer afford to get treatment. In the same vein, Interior Minister Alain Berset, whose portfolio includes health matters, said previous increases had failed to bring down health costs.
Basic health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland.
The leftwing Social Democratic Party and a consumer group have announced they will challenge the planned legal reform, which still needs confirmation, to a nationwide vote by forcing a referendum.
Two major political parties, the Social Democrats as well as the Christian Democrats, are currently collecting signatures for separate constitutional amendments to cap mandatory health insurance premiums.
More
More
Initiative launched to cap health insurance premiums
This content was published on
A people’s initiative wants health insurance premiums to not exceed 10% of income with the balance paid for by the state.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Caring for those who cannot afford health coverage
This content was published on
Although public assistance is available to those struggling to pay for care, in the end not everyone is able to get the treatment they need.
This content was published on
A new poll shows that bilateral relations with the EU are a crucial policy issue for Swiss voters ahead of October’s parliamentary elections.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.