ABSTRACT
A key feature of the German political system is the sharing of decision-making powers between the states ('Lander') and the federal government, with further powers governing statutory insurance schemes devolved to non-governmental corporate bodies. The Federal Ministry for Health is assisted by subordinate authorities in carrying out its tasks in the area of public health. Setting the rules for providing and financing social services and ensuring equity are responsibilities at the federal level. The corporate institutions on the payers' side, i.e. the sickness funds, have a central position within the statutory health insurance system. Due to the complicated structure of public health, health promotion and prevention in Germany, joint efforts to tackle health problems are needed more than in other countries. Ambulatory medical and dental care are the sectors in which the corporate institutions have the greatest power.
