Oliver Blatt, Chairman of the GKV Upper Board, advocated for measures like implementing a sugar tax and raising the taxes on alcohol and tobacco during discussions about healthcare reforms. Blatt stated to the “Rheinische Post” on Tuesday that “society must reach a point where fewer people suffer from so-called chronic diseases”. Considering the recommendations of the expert commission on GKV finances, he noted that the commission has made good suggestions for higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco, and the introduction of a sugar tax has also been proposed. He added that paying slightly more for beer and cigarettes is preferable to the billions of euros in follow-up illnesses resulting from drinking and smoking.
Blatt also welcomed other reform suggestions, such as mandatory second opinions for operations on knees, hips, and other commonly performed procedures. He suggested that the figures speak for themselves, pointing out that “when a second opinion is obtained, about three-quarters of patients forgo surgery in favor of physiotherapy or other treatments”.
Regarding the proposal to abolish the free supplementary insurance coverage for non-working spouses, Blatt expressed skepticism and warned against hasty measures, suggesting that more savings potential could be achieved more easily and quickly in other areas.