Update on employer's liability insurance associations

Plans have been made for basic legal innovations concerning the organization of statutory accident insurance and the right to social benefits. The general framework was established in the 2006 benchmark paper but it has not yet been implemented by the government. The employer's liability insurance associations have, however, already effected broad changes. Fusions were initiated and completed. The ultimate target is to form nine associations instead of the six prescribed in the benchmark paper. Policy-making authorities have agreed to this goal and incorporated the number nine into the current draft for the law reforming accident insurance. The political demand that a joint umbrella organization be formed was also quickly met by the accident insurance providers. It is not yet clear whether policy-makers will adhere to the stipulation that the head organization be nationalized, which had not been planned by accident insurance providers. With respect to financing, the associations have suggested a fundamental reorganization, which diverges from the benchmark paper. This was accepted and is part of the current law draft. In contrast, the task of reforming the right to benefits and achieving social consensus appears to be considerably more difficult. Plans formulated up to now in this regard are presented.