The Health Insurance Fund Participates in Controlling the Epidemic: Insights from German Experience in Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic

To reveal the importance of the participation of the health insurance fund in the prevention and control of serious infectious diseases, this research retrospectively analyzed the case of the German statutory health insurance fund in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. Based on Germany's practical experience, this research offers a strategy idea for other countries with a social health insurance system, aiming to ensure that the health care system does not collapse rapidly due to medical resource shortage in the event of a pandemic. Firstly, this research conducted a documentary analysis to systematically collate the temporary and additional coverage measures provided by the health insurance fund from January to the end of July 2020, which sheds light on the pivotal role of these funds in epidemic prevention and control. Secondly, this research used comparative analysis to examine the time sequence of implementing these different types of coverage measures in the progression of the epidemic to illustrate how the health insurance fund adjusted its response measures. The health insurance fund was actively involved in the development of core strategies for combating the epidemic when it broke out, by taking part in joint multisectoral consultations. By using payment instruments flexibly, the fund led the implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures, as it could allocate health resources quickly and efficiently in emergencies. Furthermore, the health insurance fund played a critical role in transmitting information on the epidemic and guiding the insured to take appropriate protective measures. By fulfilling its role in health promotion, particularly in the area of health education, the fund provided important complementary and synergistic contributions to the prevention and control of the spread of infectious diseases. In summary, this research provides a new model for other countries for mobilizing a multi-sectoral response to infectious disease prevention and control, and emphasises the key role of the health insurance fund in responding to major public health crises.