Freshly painted, white walls, new desks, a treatment table, a brand new dentist’s chair and an ultrasound machine: The equipment in the contact point for people without health insurance in Magdeburg is either from donations from the association “doctors of the world” is financed or consists of donations in kind from doctors. Volunteer doctors here on Einsteinstrasse want to help on an hourly basis in addition to their work in their own practice or in the hospital.
Hundreds of thousands do not have health insurance
Not even many doctors are aware that in a country like Germany, where health insurance is mandatory, there are so many people without health insurance coverage. But the number of those affected nationwide is estimated at 500,000 to one million. “Very often they are former privately insured people who were no longer able to pay their contributions and had debts to the health insurance company,” says Christian Stegmüller. At “Ärzte der Welt” he is responsible for the domestic projects, of which there are four so far in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart and from now on there will be one in Magdeburg.
In other cases, there are family members who have lost their partner, carers who have given up their job, and EU foreigners who have lost their job and thus their health insurance. Migrants and homeless people are also among those affected.
Optometrists or doctors: volunteers wanted
At the Bahnhofsmission, dentists have been offering free help to the homeless for three years. One of the eight dentists who treat patients there once a month is Dr. Nicole Primar. “I would like to give something back to society,” she explains her commitment. “I feel sorry for people, that’s why I want to help them.” In her practice, she also treats people without health insurance without payment.
I would like to give something back to society.
Nicole Primary Dentist in Magdeburg
More dentists or doctors are being sought: “In the future, in addition to general medical and dental consultations, we also want to offer pediatric and gynecological treatment,” reveals Fabian Kunze, who, together with other colleagues, expanded the practice for four months and is now responsible for it. Offers from psychologists and a glasses consultation are also planned. “We are still looking for doctors and opticians to support us.”
The association wants to help people get back into health insurance
In addition to basic medical care, help from social workers will also be offered on Einsteinstrasse in the future. “Our goal is to reintegrate people into health insurance,” explains Christian Stegmüller. The “Doctors of the World” association works with donations and can only provide help to a certain extent. That’s why people without health insurance are supported on their way back to health insurance by accompanying those affected and trying to obtain payment waivers or installment payments. This is often difficult enough, as contribution debts have usually accumulated over several years.
The offer of “Doctors of the World” must now be made better known among people who need this help. In the four major cities where there are contact points, the response was initially hesitant. Over time, word got around and the practices were well attended. In Magdeburg, the practice will initially start with a small offering. One consultation hour per week on one afternoon is initially planned. The doctors and social workers are in the starting blocks.
