Guidelines for the Funding of Outpatient Cancer Counseling Centers in Bavaria

The Guideline for the Funding of Outpatient Cancer Counseling Centers in Bavaria enables non-profit organizations and public institutions to take over or expand the sponsorship of outpatient cancer counseling centers in the Free State of Bavaria. The goal is to provide local psychosocial support for people with cancer as well as their relatives. Only institutions with existing funding according to § 65e SGB V by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) are eligible for funding. With a project duration of 12 months each, the Free State of Bavaria, together with the districts, annually provides up to 15% of the recognized expenses – divided into personnel costs and a flat-rate material cost allowance amounting to 20% of the recognized gross personnel costs. Sponsors benefit from this co-financing to ensure needs-based counseling, information, and support, thereby improving the quality of life of the individuals seeking advice.

Initial applications must be submitted before the start of the activity; follow-up applications must be submitted by December 1 of the preceding year for the upcoming calendar year. Required documents include the ZBFS form, a duplicate of the application form submitted to the GKV-Spitzenverband, the corresponding decisions from the latter, and, after the end of the funding year, a usage report including a factual report. The Bavarian Center for Family and Social Affairs (ZBFS) approves the funding in agreement with the locally responsible districts. An automated partial payment of 70% is made no earlier than October, with the remaining amount paid after submission of the audited usage report. This funding provides outpatient cancer counseling centers in Bavaria with financial planning security to sustainably and purposefully strengthen psychosocial services.