The SPD parliamentary faction has strongly rejected proposed core cuts within the reform of the Statutory Health Insurance (GKV). According to Dagmar Schmidt, the SPD’s Deputy Chair, the billing costs cannot continue to “burden the payers indefinitely”. Schmidt emphasized that quality healthcare should never depend on one’s ability to pay, specifically citing concerns about cuts affecting fee-exempt co-insurance for families, dental care, or increased co-payments. These types of service reductions are unacceptable, she stated.
Schmidt highlighted that the complexities of the parliamentary process mean “a lot of work still lies ahead”. While acknowledging that Germany operates one of the world’s costliest health systems, she pointed out that service quality in many areas remains only average. The SPD politician explained that the current system has already been financed by billions in contributions, and the fundamental problem is not a lack of revenue, but rather excessive expenditures.
She argued that the focus must shift to utilizing existing means more efficiently, effectively limiting costs, and thereby generating a noticeable improvement in care. Schmidt stressed the necessity of implementing “genuine structural reforms” that better link spending and the quality of care provided. For her, the central guiding principle must remain that the statutory health insurance system must stay solidary, reliable, and fair. Key areas requiring reform include hospital care, emergency services, and overall system management to help citizens secure appointments more quickly when they need them.