Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) announced comprehensive reforms aimed at stabilising Germany’s statutory health insurance system amid billions‑worth deficits. “We need to offset a deficit of two‑digit billions next year-far more than last year” she told the “Handelsblatt” (Thursday edition).
The proposals are to be drawn from a commission she commissioned. “It will be quick: in the summer we’ll push the legislation through the cabinet so the measures can be built into the supplementary contributions calculations by autumn” Warken said.
She expressed scepticism about the SPD’s suggestion to tap higher rents and capital gains. “That proposal would double‑load the pension system from the capital market. That cannot be the goal” she told the “Handelsblatt”. Nevertheless, Warken reiterated that the federal government will have to cover more of the contributions for recipients of Bürgergeld. Currently, health insurers shoulder these out‑of‑pocket costs. “Those insured are bearing expenses that should be a societal responsibility”.