Jens Baas, head of the Techniker Krankenkasse, anticipates higher contributions in statutory health insurance next year. The reasons include failed savings plans by Health Minister Nina Warken and required reserve building by the funds. Without a compromise in the mediation committee, additional payments could exceed three percent.
Statutory health insurance in Germany faces increasing pressure. Jens Baas, CEO of the Techniker Krankenkasse, warned in an ARD broadcast of inevitable contribution hikes starting in 2026. He attributed this to persistently high healthcare costs that are not being sufficiently addressed through policy measures.
Health Minister Nina Warken of the CDU had proposed a savings package worth two billion euros, primarily targeting hospitals. However, the law, passed by the Bundestag, was initially halted by the Bundesrat and referred to the mediation committee. As a result, the intended savings could not take effect in time.
Baas stressed that even a compromise in the committee would come too late to impact the 2026 contribution calculations. The average additional contribution, currently at 2.9 percent, might rise above three percent. Some funds could even need to adjust rates during the year.
The general contribution rate stands at 14.6 percent of income, shared equally by employees and employers. The additional contribution is borne solely by the insured. Baas stated: »Realistisch müssen wir schon im nächsten Jahr leider mit der Beitragssatzerhöhung rechnen.« The situation may worsen further in the following year due to the need to replenish reserves.