Janosch Dahmen, the Green party’s health‑policy spokesperson in the Bundestag, urged the federal government to bring the statutory health‑insurance (GKV) reform proposals to the floor without delay. “Time is running short for the administration. Above all, we do not need any more quarrels or rounds in which people merely talk” Dahmen told RTL and ntv.
He added that action must now take place: “The era of talking has ended. We have lost a valuable year in which much was discussed behind closed doors within the commission. Today is the hour of truth”. He referred to the commission’s latest savings proposals.
The committee that sets the contribution rates for the next year meets in October, which means the government has until the summer recess to deliver finalized draft legislation. “The coalition should not let valuable days slip in the Easter break but instead meet swiftly and present reform drafts” Dahmen urged.
Dahmen warned that if the €15 million fiscal gap is not closed, contributions could rise sharply as early as January next year. This increase would affect not only insured individuals but also employers facing higher wage‑related costs. “If the coalition fails to agree on comprehensive reforms, contributions to the statutory health and nursing insurance could rise by up to 25 percent by the end of the legislative term. One quarter of salaries would be gone. Germany’s economic competitiveness would be in grave danger. That must not happen” he said.