Bundestag and Bundesrat have passed the contested savings package of the black-red coalition on health expenditures. The goal is to prevent rising contributions for statutory health insurance funds.
The package relieves the funds from 2027 onward through spending brakes on medical practices, clinics, pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, co-payments for medicines will rise and free co-insurance for spouses will be restricted.
Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) said this closes a financial gap of 18.8 billion euros. For 2027 the relief exactly matches the deficit with no extra buffer.
Oliver Blatt, head of the health insurance umbrella association, told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur: “We now have a solid basis for keeping health insurance contributions stable overall in the coming two years.” He added there is no room for any weakening and all measures must be implemented consistently.
