TL/DR –
The article discusses the healthcare rights of different groups of people who are not covered by health insurance in Germany, including homeless people, EU citizens, non-EU citizens, asylum seekers, war refugees, and those with illegal residence status. It elaborates that homeless Germans and EU citizens are covered by social assistance offices for healthcare costs. However, non-EU citizens, asylum seekers, war refugees, and those with illegal residence status have more complex situations and are subject to different laws and regulations.
There exists a diverse group of individuals who are not covered by health insurance, including homeless individuals, EU and non-EU citizens, asylum seekers, war refugees, and those with illegal residence status. These different groups have different legal rights.
Homeless German citizens
Aiding homeless Germans, social assistance offices are bound by the Twelfth Social Code to cover healthcare costs. Depending on the nature of the healthcare needed, these offices either pay for the medical costs directly or indirectly via a health insurance fund. Therefore, physicians should not worry about treating homeless Germans as their medical expenses are covered.
European Union [EU] and European Economic Community [EEC] citizens
Uninsured EU and EEC citizens are governed by the Freedom of Movement Act/EU. The German government has been challenged to provide aid in cases of illness, pregnancy, and maternity to non-German citizens residing in Germany. Insurance benefits are not granted under certain conditions such as unemployment or if the individual is seeking work or social assistance.
Non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens with a residence permit but without health insurance fall under the same sections of the Twelfth Social Code as EU citizens. Local social assistance offices provide bridging assistance, provided no other sources of benefits exist.
Asylum seekers
Asylum seekers are entitled to care for acute illnesses, pain conditions, and pregnancy under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. They receive a health insurance card or apply for a treatment voucher for each medical consultation. After 18 months in Germany, asylum seekers receive benefits similar to those received by recipients under the Twelfth Social Code.
War refugees
War refugees recognized by the Council of the EU and arriving in Germany are granted a temporary right of residence. Local social welfare authorities assume the costs of healthcare and subsequently pass them to the federal government.
People with illegal residence status
Individuals without official residence permits cannot legally work or obtain health insurance. In case of hospital emergencies, the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act in conjunction with the Twelfth Social Code allows them to receive emergency health benefits. However, the hospital or individual must prove that they are in need, a process that can be laborious for hospital administrators.
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