AOK, which stands for Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, is a type of German health insurance fund that is part of the statutory health insurance system in Germany. It continues to provide health insurance coverage to a significant portion of the German population.
The AOK system is one of the oldest health insurance systems in Germany, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th century. It was established as part of the social security reforms introduced by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1883. The AOKs were originally set up to provide health insurance for workers in specific local areas, and they have since grown to cover a wide range of individuals, including employees, students, and pensioners.
Today, the AOK is one of the largest providers of public health insurance in Germany. It is made up of a number of independent, regional health insurance funds that operate under the AOK brand. Each fund is responsible for providing coverage to insured members in its respective region. The AOK offers a comprehensive range of medical services, which includes preventive care, medical treatment, hospital care, dental care, and prescription medications.
The AOK system is funded through a combination of employer and employee contributions, which are based on a percentage of the employee’s income. These contributions are collected by the German social security system and then distributed to the various health insurance funds, including the AOKs, according to a risk structure compensation scheme that takes into account the age and health risk of the insured population.
Over the years, the AOK has undergone various reforms to adapt to changes in the healthcare landscape, including the introduction of competition among statutory health insurance funds and the expansion of services covered. Despite these changes, the AOK remains a key player in the German healthcare system, providing coverage to millions of people and ensuring access to healthcare services.