Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the draft health reform bill is »practisch fertig« and will be voted on in the cabinet on Wednesday. Health Minister Nina Warken's (CDU) savings package aims to cut around 19.6 billion euros next year. The proposal faces criticism from associations, health insurers, and parts of the coalition.
The federal cabinet is set to vote on the statutory health insurance draft bill on Wednesday. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the proposal is largely complete, with only final talks remaining. It will be discussed alongside the keypoints of the 2027 federal budget.
Health Minister Nina Warken's reform package includes spending caps at doctor's practices, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical sector. It features higher co-payments for medications and restrictions on spousal co-insurance. The goal is to save 19.6 billion euros next year.
The association of general practitioners called the proposal a »Zerstörungsprogramm für die Hausarztpraxen«. Health insurers criticized the planned increase in the contribution assessment ceiling and warned of a shift to private insurance. CSU politician Emmi Zeulner said the reform contradicts »jedem Gerechtigkeitsempfinden«, while SPD parliamentary manager Dirk Wiese noted »eine gewisse Schlagseite« to the detriment of insured persons.
The union Ver.di announced protests. Union and SPD agreed in the coalition committee on the vote. The Union is pressing for further reforms amid ongoing negotiation frustrations.
