Germany’s statutory health insurance system is facing increasing financial pressure, prompting debate over potential reforms and cost-saving measures. Experts warn of likely increases in contribution rates for the approximately 90 million insured individuals.
Recent reports, including one from the Federal Audit Office, highlight the significant financial challenges facing the health funds. While the federal government intends to initially support the system through loans, some officials believe this will be insufficient to prevent contribution increases. Health Minister Nina Warken advocates for direct subsidies from the national budget to stabilize the system.
Health economist Wolfgang Greiner suggests increasing patient co-payments for prescription drugs as a potential revenue source. Currently, insured individuals pay between five and ten euros per prescription. Greiner argues that adjusting these co-payments for inflation – potentially doubling them to 10-20 euros – could generate approximately 2.5 billion euros annually.
However, both Greiner and AOK health insurance board member Carola Reimann agree that loans alone are not a sustainable solution. Greiner points out the difficulty of repaying loans without further contribution increases if the economic situation doesn’t improve. Reimann criticizes the lack of concrete efforts to improve efficiency and reduce spending within the healthcare system.
Katharina Schenk, chair of the Conference of Health Ministers, urged swift and fundamental reform of the statutory health insurance system, calling the Audit Office report a “final wake-up call”. She indicated that measures like raising the contribution assessment ceiling and streamlining non-insurance-related benefits are being considered.
The debate centers on securing the long-term stability of the health insurance system without placing undue financial burden on contributors and ensuring the continued provision of comprehensive healthcare services. Minister Warken plans to convene an expert commission to develop concrete reform proposals. Reimann stressed the need for a shift in health policy, emphasizing that sustainable stabilization requires aligning expenditure with income.