According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Steffen Meyer, the Cabinet reached a unanimous decision regarding the planned healthcare reform. Meyer told the dts Nachrichtenagentur on Wednesday that there were no protocol statements, though several ministers were reportedly absent from the meeting. While the spokesperson declined to divulge details about the discussions, he emphasized that there was “great consensus” on the matter.
The reform package is anticipated to face significant criticism when it proceeds through the parliamentary process. Key provisions include limiting spending increases to match real revenue growth and ensuring that only medical services with proven therapeutic benefits are covered in the future.
The proposed overhaul has received strong criticism from numerous sectors in recent weeks, notably from social associations, hospitals, and doctors. According to many commentators, the pharmaceutical industry has managed to weather the controversy somewhat unscathed.
Financially, Germany’s statutory health insurance funds face a deficit of 15 billion euros next year, potentially rising to as much as 40 billion euros by 2030 without reform. The government aims to have the package passed by the Bundestag before the summer recess.