As of October 2011, insured persons throughout Germany will be showing their electronic health card in doctors' and dentists' practices as proof of an existing health insurance. This card will be read by new card readers, which are also able to read the current health insurance card. Doctors and dentists under contract as well as hospitals nationwide have already started to purchase these card readers.
In order to purchase and install the new card readers, doctors, dentists and hospitals are going to receive a financing package, in line with the agreements reached by their representing associations. The deadline for applying for financing is 30 September 2011 (date of purchase).