Before the expert commission on statutory health insurance presents its report and reform proposals on Monday, the German Red Cross (DRK) cautions that cost‑cutting measures could ultimately drive higher expenses.
“Certainly, we will also make a clear contribution to the debate on changes in the health system” President Hermann Gröhe told the “Tagesspiegel”. “We warn against actions that may deliver short‑term savings but, in the long run, lead to increased spending. We need more-and not less-prevention so that illnesses can be avoided where possible”.
Gröhe added that the weakening of home‑care services means that more people will eventually require long‑term institutional care. “Our welfare state is facing growing challenges” he said, citing the rising numbers of older and care‑dependent citizens, widespread loneliness, and the ongoing task of integrating newcomers.
At a time of continued economic weakness, the DRK stresses that the welfare state must become more precisely targeted-and therefore more efficient-through the reduction of bureaucracy and greater digitisation. Gröhe welcomed the fact that the Social State Commission had already incorporated demands from welfare organisations.
“We made it clear to the chancellor that welfare associations must be meaningfully involved in consultations on a comprehensive reform of the social state” he explained. “We play a central role in shaping the welfare state on the ground”. He noted that for truly fundamental changes, the usual cabinet or parliamentary hearings are insufficient.