Kostenübernahme

Kostenübernahme describes the obligation of a payer to bear the costs of a service or benefit for another person. It is a common term in German welfare and health systems and denotes that the recipient does not have to pay the full amount out of pocket.

In the health and long-term care sector, the costs for medically necessary treatments, hospital care, medications, rehabilitation and aids are typically covered by the respective insurance funds (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, Pflegeversicherung) or private insurers. Patients may owe small co-payments, but the majority of costs are borne by the insurer. The exact scope varies by contract and statutory rules, and there are exceptions or exemptions in hardship cases or for certain services.

In social and welfare law, public authorities may assume costs for essential needs, housing and heating, mobility, or support for people with disabilities, children or special situations. The precise entitlement depends on the relevant statutes (for example SGB II, SGB XII, SGB IX) and on individual circumstances. Applicants usually file a request with the responsible authority (Krankenkasse, Jobcenter, Sozialamt, Jugendamt). The authority issues a Kostenübernahmebescheid, which states which costs are covered, the amount, and any required co-payments or conditions.

Procedural aspects include evidence submission, assessment of eligibility, potential partial coverage, and the possibility of appeals or reconsideration if a request is refused or the scope of coverage changes. Kostenübernahme is a central mechanism to ensure access to necessary services without imposing unaffordable costs on individuals.