Märkisch-Oderland to bill patients for non-transport emergency callouts despite backlash

The district of Märkisch-Oderland will soon charge patients for emergency callouts that do not end in hospital transport. This move follows a January 2026 court ruling but has faced criticism from state officials. Health Minister René Wilke called the decision hasty, urging the district to delay action until ongoing negotiations conclude. A year ago, Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) pushed for a resolution to disputes over emergency transport costs. Last summer, an agreement was reached on transport fees, but non-transport ambulance calls remained unresolved.

The Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg ruled in January 2026 that districts could bill patients for such callouts. By late April 2026, Märkisch-Oderland plans to issue fee notices, joining ten other Brandenburg districts—including Potsdam, Cottbus, and Oberhavel—that have already done so. Emergency callouts without hospital admission still incur costs, usually covered by districts and later reimbursed by insurers. However, last week, a moratorium was announced, temporarily stopping planned fees in Cottbus and Dahme-Spreewald. Fresh negotiations between the state, local authorities, and insurers began this week to address the issue.

The district's decision comes despite calls to wait for the outcome of current talks. Patients in Märkisch-Oderland may now receive bills for non-transport ambulance visits. The state government continues to seek a broader agreement on emergency service costs.