Every person residing or working in the Netherlands is entitled to good care services from the standard health insurance package. Our healthcare system is based on the principle of solidarity. Rich and poor, young and old, healthy and sick: everyone in the Netherlands has access to the same care. All of us pay for this system via premiums and taxes.
The standard health insurance must include care that functions for a reasonable price and that is appropriate to the needs of the patient. At the same time, it is also important to ensure that the standard health insurance package remains accessible in the future. That is what the National Health Care Institute works to ensure: adequate insured healthcare services for everyone in the Netherlands, now and in the future.
In the Netherlands, we aim to provide good healthcare for everyone. However, our healthcare system is under pressure. More and more people need healthcare, there are not enough people working in healthcare, and the costs are increasing.
That is why the National Health Care Institute looks closely at what elements of healthcare really work. And for whom. So we don't waste time and money on unnecessary healthcare.
We advise the Minister on what to reimburse from the basic healthcare insurance. Things such as hospital care and medicines, but also mental health and long-term care. We always choose care that has been proven to work.
And we always choose appropriate care. Because although the basic healthcare package might be the same for everyone, people are all different. We also take a critical look at whether care that is currently included in the basic healthcare package still belongs there. That is how we make room for healthcare that works better!
We also take into account current societal factors, such as staff shortages. And we look at the consequences for our planet when we make our choices.
In short, the National Health Care Institute opts for proven, appropriate care that is good for people and society. Now and in the future.