Health insurers are pressing the federal government for a structured, phased plan to assume the costs associated with providing healthcare for recipients of Bürgergeld. Speaking to T-Online, Oliver Blatt, CEO of the GKV-Spitzenverband, proposed a gradual transition model for covering these expenses. He acknowledged that the government might not be able to fund the estimated 12 billion euros in all one fell swoop, but stressed that a phased approach to achieving proper financial coverage should be achievable.
Currently, the federal government pays the health insurers €144 per Bürgergeld recipient monthly. However, this amount is insufficient, creating an annual financial shortfall estimated at 12 billion euros. Due to these ongoing difficulties, the GKV-Spitzenverband filed a lawsuit against the federal government concerning the matter toward the end of 2025.
Blatt’s proposal outlines a three-stage financial commitment from the federal level. He suggests that the government initially contribute 4 billion euros, followed by an increase to 8 billion euros starting in 2028. By 2029, he suggests the federal system must assume full cost coverage by all taxpayers. According to Blatt, this measured approach would be manageable even given the current challenging budgetary climate. Furthermore, any additional revenue generated through this phased coverage should be used entirely to alleviate the financial burden on current premium payers.