Enteral nutrition reimbursement - the rationale for the policy: the German perspective

Both the German statutory and private health insurances cover enteral nutrition (EN) products. Approximately 100,000 patients receive reimbursed EN; 70% are tube fed for an average 9 months. 70% of the tube-fed patients are cared for in institutions (i.e. for the elderly) and 30% at home. The prescription and reimbursement of EN is covered by Volume Five of the Social Legislation Code (Social Code Book No. 5). Reimbursement for EN depends on medical prescription and is in principle guaranteed whenever normal food intake is impaired and modification of normal nutrition and other measurements do not improve nutritional status. It is unclear what effect the reform laws will have on EN but they may impact the prices for medical devices and negotiations between health insurance funds and product manufacturers.