The hospital reform with the Hospital Care Improvement Act (KHVVG) entails far-reaching changes for the provision of hospital services to the population. An important element of the reform is the Hospital Transformation Fund (KHTF), which is intended to support projects with a volume of 50 billion euros to ensure future healthcare provision. It therefore offers a historic opportunity for hospitals and federal states to reorganise their care structures, transform themselves digitally and implement sustainable concepts.
The hospital and funding organisation perspective: How can funding be obtained and used?
The KHTF is an opportunity for hospitals to apply for funding for structural and digital transformation processes. Numerous measures are eligible for funding - from the cross-site concentration of acute inpatient care capacities to the establishment of telemedical networks and additional training capacities.
Funding is available, among other things:
- Costs for construction and conversion measures
- Interoperable and secure IT and communication systems
- Medical-technical equipment and facilities
- Qualification measures as well as interest, amortisation and administration costs for loans
The prerequisites for a successful application are, that the measure
- serves the goal of transforming the hospital landscape,
- is not financed by other programmes,
- is economically sustainable
- and remains compatible with competition and state aid law.
Providers must also demonstrate a positive continuation forecast. The project documents are submitted to the Federal Office for Social Security (BAS) via the respective federal state by 30 September of the previous year. Due to complex content requirements and necessary preparatory work, as well as a tight application schedule, clinics should liaise with their federal state at an early stage.
The view of the federal states: Extensive tasks arise, but also many control options
For the federal states, the transformation fund opens up opportunities for targeted management and further development of their hospital landscapes. The federal states submit funding applications to the BAS and are responsible for co-financing and checking eligibility for funding. They also decide which projects are selected in consultation with the health insurance associations and proposed for funding.
The federal states can apply for funding for specific projects each year, whereby supplementary applications are also possible in addition to regular applications. The federal states must ensure the following requirements, among others:
- Co-financing through budget funds
- Agreement with state associations of health insurance funds
- ompliance with deadlines for applications, funding notifications and proof of utilisation
The federal states have not only an administrative but also a coordinating function. They make a significant contribution to the selection and prioritisation of projects eligible for funding - particularly in terms of sustainable supply planning in the respective federal state.
How can KPMG support clinics, organisations and federal states?
The deadlines are short, the requirements often high - but the opportunities for all those involved are considerable. A targeted funding strategy and an early examination of the funding conditions create the basis for a successful application. Close cooperation with the federal states is crucial in order to strategically master the specific procedures. Plan early in order to be able to meet all requirements and minimise the risk of clawback by providing evidence. Our experts will support and advise you in the preparation of applications and project implementation. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
