German medical insurance provider AOK has joined forces with T-Systems to implement and manage secure digital identities for its 27 million policyholders. The initiative, named GesundheitsID, aims to provide a secure gateway for all AOK digital services, including electronic patient files (ePA), e-prescriptions, and the online policy management portal.
Enhancing Security and Convenience
Scheduled for release in spring 2025, GesundheitsID is being developed by T-Systems in collaboration with the ID wallet provider Verimi. The initial contract between AOK and T-Systems spans four years, with the option for an additional four-year extension. Existing digital identities, introduced in January 2024 for accessing the “AOK Mein Leben” patient file, will seamlessly transition to this new comprehensive service at the beginning of 2025.
Dr. Carola Reimann, chairwoman of the board of AOK-Bundesverband, emphasizes the heightened security of the new system: “The technical solution from T-Systems guarantees a high level of protection and meets the strict security requirements of the gematik digital agency.
“Our policyholders can rest assured that their sensitive health and social data is safeguarded against unauthorized access. Additionally, accessing AOK’s digital services via smartphone will be much more convenient, with all applications available through a single key.”
Compliance and Digital Transformation
The implementation of secure digital identities aligns with the Digital Care and Nursing Modernization Act (DVPMG), which mandates statutory health insurance funds to introduce these identities as a complement to the existing electronic health card (eGK). This “digital twin” on smartphones will provide access to data and applications, serving as proof of insurance similar to the eGK, according to the company.
Ferri Abolhassan, CEO of T-Systems and member of the Board of Management of Deutsche Telekom AG, highlights the broader implications of secure digital identities: “Secure digital identities are crucial for digital solutions in healthcare.
“E-prescriptions and patient files are just the beginning. In the future, our digital identity will serve half of all people with statutory health insurance through AOK and another health insurance provider. This technology also simplifies and secures citizen services, banking transactions, and travel, ensuring that users can verify their identities easily and securely.”
Advancing Digital Solutions
T-Systems is also providing the ID wallet for the European trusted data sharing initiative Gaia-X Federation Services and developing another for tax consultants. Parent company Deutsche Telekom recently partnered with DigiCert to enhance its PKI and IAM capabilities, further bolstering its commitment to digital security and innovation.
