The AOK federation has sharply criticized the draft law aimed at stabilizing mandatory health insurance contribution rates. Carola Reimann, the federation’s chairwoman, argued that the law, which was intended to be one of the most crucial healthcare reforms of recent years, appears instead to be merely a “budget reorganization measure”.
Reimann pointed to significant financial weaknesses within the draft. She noted that the state subsidies for the statutory health insurance system will face annual cuts of two billion euros. Furthermore, the promised increase in federal funds allocated to cover the health costs for recipients of Citizens’ Benefit is only €250 million, which she described as merely symbolic. According to Reimann, these changes represent “an inconsistent policy, not a parlor trick” and the government is reducing spending on the expenditure side rather than capitalizing on the potential savings identified by the Finance Committee on Health.
In its criticism, the AOK acknowledged two positive developments: the commitment to a manufacturer levy on sugary drinks and the planned mitigation of social hardships regarding sickness pay and spouse co-insurance. However, Reimann also criticized the expectation that the pharmaceutical industry will contribute an even smaller share to the stabilization of the GKV finances.
Looking ahead, Reimann stressed that structural imbalances and newly emerging irregularities must be corrected during the parliamentary process. In its current form, she stated, the law cannot achieve its goal of stabilizing contribution rates. She issued a warning about potential increases in rates approaching the turn of the year and insisted that the federal government must provide an effective contribution to cost-covering financing for Citizens’ Benefit recipients. She reiterated that the proposed cuts in federal subsidies are unacceptable and must be withdrawn, and that a robust contribution from the pharmaceutical industry is essential for the GKV savings package.