A commission established by Health Minister Nina Warken of the CDU is expected to explore the possibility of reintroducing a patient co-payment system, similar to one that existed in Germany between 2004 and 2012. Warken confirmed the potential discussion point on Friday in response to inquiries from the dts news agency in Berlin.
The commission, comprised of ten experts with balanced representation from economics, medicine, social law, ethics and prevention, has been tasked with developing measures to stabilize the statutory health insurance (GKV) system. Warken emphasized that the commission would operate without restrictions on its thinking and aims toward greater control. However, she cautioned that a co-payment would only be sensible if it leads to cost management, rather than simply increasing the financial burden on patients. “It must have an effect on the system and this is precisely what the commission should examine closely” she stated.
Warken expressed concern over the significant financial pressures facing the statutory health insurance system, projecting a deficit potentially reaching double-digit billions starting in 2027. She argued that this necessitates substantial measures and structural reforms to ensure stability.
The commission is scheduled to submit initial recommendations by March 2026, focusing on measures to stabilize contribution rates from 2027 onwards. These suggestions will encompass identifying key cost drivers, inefficiencies in expenditure and issues within revenue collection.
A subsequent report, due in December 2026, will present potential structural reforms aimed at reducing long-term expenditure growth and addressing challenges related to revenue.