The President of the GKV-Spitzenverband, Doris Pfeiffer, has called for immediate actions from the new Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU) and a spending moratorium to address the critical financial situation of statutory health insurance funds. Pfeiffer stated in an interview with the “Rheinischen Post” that the GKV is a “emergency patient” and urgent measures are needed to prevent health insurance contributions from skyrocketing at the end of the year. She also noted that there have been eight new contribution increases in the last three months alone. To ensure the immediate stability of statutory health insurance and protect contributors, Pfeiffer demands an interim legislation before the summer break, which would establish a spending moratorium for all areas of service. Pfeiffer emphasized that a spending moratorium would ensure that contribution rates remain stable by strictly linking expenditure growth to the actual income situation of statutory health insurance. She further stated that the moratorium should remain in place until appropriate structural reforms have balanced income and expenditure. Pfeiffer also called for fair financing of medical care for citizens receiving welfare, which should be included in the interim legislation before the summer break. Regarding future cooperation with the new federal government, Pfeiffer expressed optimism, praising the minister’s willingness to address the fundamental issues of the GKV through dialogue with the self-administration. The healthcare system needs more collaboration among all stakeholders, according to Pfeiffer.
GKV President Calls for Spending Moratorium to Prevent Contribution Hikes
