The Health Finance Commission has presented its first report on stabilising contribution rates in Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV). Unveiled in Berlin on Monday, the report lists 66 recommendations that should take effect from 2027 to shore up the GKV’s finances.
The measures are grouped into three categories:
1. “Savings or revenue measures that improve or at least maintain care quality”
” A phased introduction of a mandatory second‑opinion procedure for volume‑sensitive procedures is among the proposals.
2. “Neutral measures”
” Eliminate the compensation rules for TSVG (Telemedical Act) situations.
” Abolish free spousal coverage.
” Raise the tobacco and alcohol taxes.
” Introduce a tiered tax on sugar‑sweetened beverages.
3. “Savings or revenue measures that could have uncertain or potentially negative effects on quality, access or equity”
” End the GKV’s full financing of experimental studies.
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) warned that, without decisive action, a historic deficit of more than €40 billion could threaten the insurers by 2030. She said the commission had identified core cost drivers and structural challenges, and had drafted measures to stabilise the contribution rates.
The commission estimates the current shortfall of the GKV at over €15 billion in 2027, a figure that could rise to more than €40 billion by 2030. Warken said the ministry would promptly review the report’s proposals and launch a legislative process to stabilise the GKV’s financial situation starting in 2027.