• Basic energy supply: Same prices for all customers
• Animal owners have to be prepared for more expensive visits to the vet
Hospital companions are entitled to sick pay
As the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) explains in a press release, hospital attendants should also be entitled to sick pay from November. Accordingly, from November 1st, accompanying persons of persons with disabilities can claim sickness benefit in the event of a loss of earnings. The accompaniment of a stay in hospital is considered medically necessary if patients have to be supported by a reference person because of a severe mental disability or a lack of language skills. Close relatives such as siblings, children, parents or life partners can be considered as possible companions. If an accompanying person is considered medically necessary, the hospital can certify the necessity to the health insurance company on the day of discharge from November.
Basic energy supply: No price splitting
In addition, as of November 1st, the regulations for prices in the basic and backup supply of energy will change, as the Federal Network Agency explains. Basic supply means the supply of energy by the basic supplier to household customers in the form of low voltage (electricity) or low pressure (gas) at general prices and conditions. The default supplier is the energy supply company that supplies most household customers with electricity and/or gas in the grid area concerned. Up to now, a distinction could be made between new and existing customers when it came to the prices for energy and basic services. The amendment to the Energy Industry Act, which will come into force in November, will now put an end to this. Accordingly, the same prices will apply to all customers from next month. Contracts that were concluded before the amendment of this law must be adjusted accordingly.
Visits to the vet are becoming more expensive
After more than 20 years, there is also a change in the fee schedule for veterinarians for the first time, as reported by the MDR. What benefits the veterinarians, which even secures the livelihood of one or the other practice, means that pet owners have to dig deeper into their pockets. From November 22nd, the new fee schedule will come into force, making some veterinary services significantly more expensive. According to this, vaccinations for dogs and cats will no longer cost just 5.77 euros in the future, but 11.50 euros. The general examination of cats increases in price from 8.98 euros to 23.62 euros, that of dogs from 13.47 euros to 23.62 euros. However, some types of treatment, such as X-rays, will become cheaper once the new order has come into force. However, the exact costs that the pet owner will incur does not depend on the order alone. In fact, veterinarians can charge a single rate, but also double or triple the rate for treating an animal if, for example, complications arise, the animal is stressed or aggressive and therefore needs to be held and calmed down, or treatment at night, on a holiday or must be done at the weekend.
E. Schmal/Redaktion finanzen.net
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