The statutory health and long‑term care insurance schemes could become noticeably more expensive for many families. According to a report in the Tuesday edition of “Handelsblatt” that cites coalition circles, the federal government plans to abolish the free co‑insurance that currently covers spouses. Those who have been insured at no cost are expected to pay a minimum contribution of roughly €225 per month in the future.
The elimination of complimentary spousal coverage is said to be a key element of the government’s health and care reforms. It is meant to shrink the multi‑billion‑euro deficit of the health insurers and at the same time encourage people to take up employment. Under the proposed scheme, the minimum contributions would amount to €200 per month for health insurance plus €25 for long‑term care, with certain exemptions for people with children under six or for relatives who need care.
At the end of March, an expert commission tasked by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) will present recommendations aimed at stabilising insurers’ contributions. Parallel discussions are already underway within the federal government, and officials have stated that the free spousal coverage will be removed, though a final decision will await the commission’s final report.
If insured spouses in the future pay the minimum contribution, this could relieve the health and care system by a modest single‑digit billions‑of‑euros per year. Around 16 million people in Germany are currently covered at no cost-most of them children-and the plan says their coverage will remain unchanged.