Germany’s consumer protection advocates are urging for more time regarding the healthcare reform. Ramona Pop, a board member of the Federal Consumer Centre Association (VZBV), told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that they find it difficult that the reform is being pushed through so hastily. She warned that rushing the process, with the legislative draft expected in less than two weeks, would be dangerous. According to Pop, such a major project requires proper expert hearings and discussion. Consequently, the association stated their desire for the government to take more time to ensure the healthcare reform’s success.
Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) presented her reform draft last Thursday, which is projected to save 20 billion euros starting next year, thereby preventing further increases in contributions. Following a request from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the reform is slated to pass the cabinet in April and be adopted by the Bundestag before the summer recess. While the VZBV supports most aspects of Warken’s plan, Pop confirmed to the NOZ that “we have one of the most expensive, but not the most effective, healthcare systems in the world. For the ambition to finally change something about it and relieve the burden on legally insured citizens, there is, therefore, our fundamental full support”.