Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) is hopeful of a quick resolution to the implementation of annual prescriptions for chronically ill patients. She told the “Bild am Sonntag” that, given limited health‑care capacity, it makes sense to cut unnecessary doctor visits and waiting times, thereby moving beyond the current quarterly renewal system. Warken added that the change should not increase costs for health insurers or patients and that a “swift consensus” is expected. She also warned that should significant delays arise, legal oversight will review the necessary steps.
The proposal is based on a statutory provision already enacted during the tenure of her predecessor, Karl Lauterbach (SPD). Under the law, chronic patients would be able to renew their prescriptions only once a year. While doctors and insurers generally support the reform, no agreement has yet been reached on the detailed rollout. A spokesperson for the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) described the issue as a “complex challenge” but noted that an agreement is anticipated this spring. The national association of statutory health insurers (GKV Spitzenverband) has likewise signaled its approval. Co‑chair Stefanie Stoff‑Ahnis told the newspaper that annual prescriptions “are a good and right additional option” as they would spare certain chronic patients unnecessary trips and relieve clinical practices.
Health economist Boris Augurzky of the RWI Institute remarked that the expected reduction in contacts could be substantial, estimating that out of a billion visits, a significant portion-likely a seven‑figure number-was attributable to the quarterly renewal logic.