German Parliament Introduces Bill to Enhance Statutory Accident Insurance
On November 6, 2024, the German Parliament introduced a new bill (20/13639) titled “Law to Enhance Statutory Accident Insurance.” The proposed legislation aims to modernize and improve the country’s statutory accident insurance system.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Expansion of Coverage: The bill proposes expanding accident insurance coverage to include self-employed individuals who earn income from “free economic activities.” This would provide protection for approximately 2 million additional workers.
- Enhanced Benefits: It also seeks to increase benefits for accident victims, such as higher pensions, increased support for rehabilitation, and improved access to medical care.
- Streamlined Administration: The bill aims to streamline the administration of accident insurance by reducing bureaucracy and improving coordination between different carriers.
- Improved Prevention Efforts: It includes measures to strengthen prevention efforts, including the establishment of a national center for occupational safety.
- Financial Stability: The bill introduces measures to ensure the financial stability of the statutory accident insurance system in the long term.
Rationale for the Bill:
The proposed legislation is driven by several factors, including:
- The changing nature of work and the increasing prevalence of self-employment.
- The need to improve the adequacy of benefits for accident victims.
- The desire to enhance prevention efforts and reduce workplace accidents.
- Concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the statutory accident insurance system.
Expected Impact:
If passed, the bill is expected to have a significant impact on the statutory accident insurance system in Germany. It is projected to:
- Provide coverage to millions more workers.
- Improve the financial security of accident victims.
- Enhance prevention efforts and reduce workplace accidents.
- Ensure the long-term sustainability of the insurance system.
Next Steps:
The bill is currently under review by Parliament’s Committee on Labor and Social Affairs. Public hearings and expert consultations are expected to take place in the coming months. The bill is expected to face debate and potential amendments before it is put to a vote in Parliament.
Conclusion:
The draft law to enhance statutory accident insurance in Germany is a comprehensive effort to modernize the system and provide better protection for workers. Its key provisions aim to expand coverage, enhance benefits, streamline administration, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure financial stability. The bill is currently being debated in Parliament, and its passage would represent a significant step forward in the German statutory accident insurance system.
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Drucksachen a new article on 2024-11-06 11:00 titled “20/13639: Gesetzentwurf Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Weiterentwicklung der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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