The CSU has sharply criticized Federal Health Minister Nina Warken's (CDU) plans to stabilize statutory health insurance. Bavarian CSU parliamentary leader Klaus Holetschek called for stronger federal budget financing of contributions for Bürgergeld recipients. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) rejects this.
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) presented a savings package two days ago aimed at relieving statutory health insurances by about 20 billion euros. It includes raising the contribution assessment ceiling by an additional 300 euros per month, requiring higher earners to pay more. The current ceiling is 5,812.50 euros; this is expected to generate 2.4 billion euros.
The CSU acknowledges positive elements, such as limiting expense growth to revenue growth and ensuring everyone contributes. Klaus Holetschek told Stern: «There are right approaches in the package [...], but it is well-intentioned but not sustainable if the shift to non-insurance benefits does not succeed.» He demanded that the federal government cover contributions for basic income recipients, including in long-term care.
Warken's proposals were not coordinated in advance with coalition partners CSU and SPD. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned that fully covering these contributions from the federal budget would burden it by 12 billion euros. Warken aims to pass the law through the cabinet by the end of April to prevent contribution hikes.
