Councils of States are 2.5 percent more AHV not enough

On Wednesday, the Federal Council increased AHV and IV pensions by only 2.5 percent. That’s not enough for the state councilors. The Social Security and Health Committee of the Council of States demands a full adjustment of the cost of living for AHV pensions on January 1, 2023. In September, the annual inflation rate was 3.3 percent.

The committee’s decision in favor of a motion from the middle group was taken by 7 votes to 4 with 2 abstentions, the parliamentary services announced on Friday. The National Council approved the request in September.

The full cost of living adjustment in early 2023 should be a one-off and offset against future pension increases to offset inflation. In addition, the Bundesrat should present a concept for regularly compensating for above-average price increases in the future. The government had recommended that the request be rejected.

Premium discount decision postponed

The Commission has not yet decided on initiatives requiring that the premium shock at health insurers be absorbed by an immediate increase in the federal contribution to the individual premium reduction by 30 percent. She doesn’t want to decide until her next meeting. The cantons receive the additional funds, provided they do not reduce their own contribution.

Firstly, the Commission intends to consult extensively on the indirect counter-proposal to the premium deduction initiative, which aims to provide a long-term and sustainable solution to rising premium pressures. In principle, the Commission accepted the Bundesrat’s counter-proposal on Friday by 10 votes to 1 with one abstention.

With regard to the detailed opinion, the Commission instructed the administration to examine other models. The financial implications for the Confederation and the cantons should be carefully clarified. The counter-proposal should also include a stronger incentive to control costs. (SDA/lha)