That sounds nice and simple! I don't 100% understand the German system either, I just know that it costs about 15% of my income each month (half is paid by my employer), and if my doctor writes a prescription on a pink sheet of paper, the meds don't cost me more than like 5-10€ (apparently it's some sort of co-pay thing).

We also have a system for private health insurance, because people employed by the government aren't allowed to benefit from the government-subsidized health insurances. But I'm not earning enough to know specifics about it haha

[–] TheBrideWoreCrimson@sopuli.xyz 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

It's all gone electronic very recently, but the "pink" medicine is considered optional in a way. It's mostly QOL-improving stuff like aspirin or ibuprofen. It used to be free, but the decision has been made to further disadvantage the poorest part of society for which 5 € can make quite a difference.

[–] python@programming.dev 4 points 2 weeks ago

Interesting! Is there a color for medicine that is absolutely necessary? I know that when I was seriously messed up and needed Antibiotics those were put on a pink slip, idk how optional those were :o

I've also seen the green papers, which are for completely self-paid stuff (so like, weird unproven teas and supplements)