KNV is concerned about CZ's purchasing procedure and argues that the quality standard of patient transport is jeopardized by the health insurer's purchasing policy.
Royal Dutch Transport (KNV) has expressed concern about the recent purchasing procedure of CZ, one of the largest health insurers in the Netherlands with four million policyholders. These concerns mainly concern the proposed maximum rates in the request, where the rates for transport are significantly lower than current market prices. This purchasing procedure covers the period from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2028, with a possible tacit extension of two one-year periods.
The order is divided into six lots with rates ranging from €1,44 to €1,85 per loaded kilometer, depending on the lot. The minimum journey length that is reimbursed is six kilometers for a taxi and fifteen kilometers for a wheelchair journey. In two of the plots, these rates are even below the current rates, which, according to KNV, has a negative impact on the implementation and quality of the service.
objections
KNV has made its objections known to CZ, despite the fact that the trade association does not deal with transport rates or pricing. The concern lies mainly with the pressure that low rates place on the quality of services provided to its members. The Mobility Tendering Institute (AIM) has also made its findings known. AIM advises that quality should count for at least 60% in the award, while for CZ it only counts for 25%.
The purchasing procedure in this healthcare purchasing policy is not a tender procedure. The Public Procurement Act 2012 and the procurement principles are therefore expressly not applicable. By participating in the purchasing procedure, providers declare that they are aware of this and that they cannot rely on the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2012 and the procurement principles (and principles).
The current purchasing procedure assesses the price absolutely instead of relatively. This means that from the total number of points to be achieved (75), five points are deducted for every deviation of €0,01 compared to the lowest price. A deviation of €0,09 therefore only yields 30 points for the price component, which, in combination with the low weighting of quality, makes a tenderer with a small price difference virtually without a chance.
KNV had a conversation with CZ in May following an earlier letter, but unfortunately this did not lead to any adjustments. That is why the trade association recently sent a letter to Zorgverzekeraars Nederland (ZN). Five years ago, KNV also expressed concerns about purchasing procedures of health insurers, including CZ. These objections then led to parliamentary questions and resulted in the drawing up of a guidelines framework for seated patient transport, signed by KNV and ZN on behalf of the health insurers.
attention
In the recent letter to ZN, KNV states that it regrets that despite the framework drawn up at the time, the issue has to be brought to attention again. According to the guidelines framework, agreements must ensure that carriers receive adequate compensation for the requested quality of service. KNV states that this is not possible with CZ's current purchasing procedure.
The Patient Transport Guidelines Agreement, signed by patient and client organizations, healthcare transporters and health insurers, forms the basis for agreements on high-quality patient transport for adequate compensation. This agreement has been signed by, among others, the Dutch Kidney Patient Association (NVN), the Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient Organizations (NFK), Elke(in), the Netherlands Patient Federation, and KNV. Zorgverzekeraars Nederland signed on behalf of the insurers.
guidelines framework
The guidelines framework and the agreement aim to place negotiations between parties on a solid basis, with an eye for price, efficiency and quality. The agreements not only guarantee good quality of transport, but also ensure adequate handling of complaints, with the aim of noticeable improvements in service. By signing the agreement, all parties have committed to jointly monitor compliance and safeguarding these agreements.
