LU Cantonal Council Lucerne abolishes blacklist of non-premium payers

Lucerne is ending its controversial approach to people who do not pay their health insurance premiums. On Tuesday, the cantonal council approved a motion by 82 votes to 28 calling for the list of late premium payers to be abolished.

Lucerne introduced the list in 2012 and is now one of only a few cantons that still maintain it. Anyone on the list is only entitled to emergency treatment. The regime was therefore controversial, as were the benefits.

There is no reason to maintain this ineffective disciplinary measure, said David Roth (SP), a former cantonal councillor who has since been elected to the National Council, explaining his motion. There are also people who end up on the list through no fault of their own and due to financial hardship.

The cantonal government agreed. Health Director Michaela Tschuor (center) said that the purpose of the list was to combat abuse, but that it did not fulfill this purpose. The majority of those on the list were not those unwilling to pay, but those unable to pay.

Josef Schuler (SP) said that the list was of no use at all. Sara Muff (SP) explained that the list would not lead to savings or more justice. On the contrary, it would increase costs and personal suffering.

Only the SVP wanted to stick to the blacklist. Angela Lüthold (SVP) said: "Don't forget those who pay the premiums every month". Those who could not pay would receive social assistance and emergencies would still be treated. It was about those who could pay but did not.

SDA