Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) said she does not oppose the SPD’s proposal to include pensions, rent and capital gains in the calculation of health‑insurance contributions, provided it comes as part of a comprehensive savings package. When she spoke to “Welt am Sonntag” she emphasized that simply expanding the revenue side is not enough. “We also have to get a grip on the expenditure side” she added. “An overall package is essential”.
Warken also warned that the multitude of proposals from her own party can clutter the discussion. “It doesn’t really simplify things” she said. “It’s fine if many people are thinking it over”. She welcomed the debate but noted that piecemeal solutions are problematic. “I’m keen to preserve a solidaristic system where people do not have to worry whether they have enough money for a dental treatment” she explained. “That is not an approach I can support, and I see it as a difficult proposal”.
Regarding other measures, Warken stated that talks about limiting sick‑leave days or using telephone sickness certification are insufficient on their own. “We need to evaluate the whole situation, strengthen prevention and counteract targeted measures” she said. She cautioned that the highest costs arise when people are ill for an extended period and put pressure on the system.