Brandenburg district to bill patients for non-transport ambulance calls despite criticism

The district of Märkisch-Oderland is preparing to charge patients for ambulance callouts that do not lead to hospital transport. The move, set to begin in late April 2026, has drawn criticism from Brandenburg's Health Minister René Wilke, who called it premature. He argues the district should wait for the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the state, local authorities, and health insurers. A ruling by the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg in January 2026 made it legal for districts to bill patients for non-transport emergency calls. Märkisch-Oderland now plans to issue fee notices under this provision, as health insurers do not cover these costs.

Last summer, an agreement was reached on emergency transport costs, but it excluded non-transport callouts, leaving the issue unresolved. Fresh talks between the state government, local authorities, and insurers began this week to find a solution. Wilke believes a deal is possible but insists negotiations need more time. A moratorium was announced last week, temporarily stopping planned fee notices in Cottbus and Dahme-Spreewald. Wilke has urged Märkisch-Oderland to delay its own billing until after the current discussions conclude, calling the district's decision unnecessary at this stage.

The district's plan to charge patients for non-transport ambulance calls will take effect in late April 2026. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations could still change how these costs are handled. For now, Märkisch-Oderland remains the only district in Brandenburg moving forward with the fees.