In talks to curb spending in statutory health insurance, the Labour Ministry led by Bärbel Bas has apparently dismissed a proposal to cover the health‑insurance costs of recipients of basic income (“Bürgergeld”). Politico reported the decision based on insider sources. The same stance was expressed in discussions with the health ministry’s expert commission tasked with stabilising the GKV, with the ministry again citing a strained budget.
“During the discussions with the finance commission, the Labour Ministry made it very clear that there is no room for that” said Anne‑Kathrin Klemm, chairwoman of the BKK umbrella association, according to Politico. “I would wish for a cost takeover, but I do not consider it realistic”. A potential savings of about €10 billion could, in theory, resolve the GKV’s financial problems almost on its own.
When the portal requested comment, the Labour Ministry declined to respond. “We do not comment on internal government commissions” a spokesperson said. Several CDU politicians-including Health Minister Nina Warken and General Secretary Carsten Linnemann-had called for a full cost takeover.