A newly formed financial commission tasked with stabilizing the finances of Germany’s statutory health insurance system has convened for its initial meeting in Berlin. The commission, established by Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU), will focus on developing reform proposals aimed at ensuring the long-term financial stability of the system.
At the request of Minister Warken, the commission is mandated to present its recommendations by the end of March 2026 – a year ahead of the timeline stipulated in the governing coalition agreement. The primary goal is to maintain health insurance contributions without further increases starting in 2027.
“The coming months present an opportunity to future-proof the essential pillars of our social insurance system” stated Minister Warken. She emphasized the substantial challenge facing the statutory health insurance system, noting a current deficit expected to reach double-digit billions of euros by the end of next year. The commission’s ultimate aim is to not only address this immediate deficit but also to establish a sustainable foundation for the entire system.
Minister Warken underscored the commission’s independence, stating it will operate with the necessary latitude to thoroughly examine the entire system without restrictive pre-determined constraints. “This commission will not be limited in its thinking by prior stipulations” she stated.
Wolfgang Greiner was elected chairperson of the commission during the inaugural meeting, with Ferdinand Gerlach and Leonie Sundmacher selected as deputy chairpersons. The commission’s membership comprises leading academics from diverse fields, including public law, general practice, health economics, public health, healthcare management, labor law, quantitative health services research, translational medical ethics and economics.