Coalition plans to abolish free co-insurance for spouses

Kiswahili

The German federal government plans to eliminate free co-insurance for spouses in statutory health and long-term care insurance. The move aims to plug budget shortfalls at health insurance funds and will make coverage more expensive for many families. Handelsblatt learned of this from coalition sources.

Reports from Berlin indicate that statutory health and long-term care insurance could become noticeably more expensive for many families. Millions of statutorily insured individuals currently benefit from free co-insurance for their spouses. The coalition aims to abolish this provision to address budget shortfalls at the health insurance funds. Handelsblatt obtained this information from coalition circles. Economists have praised the planned measure.

Makala yanayohusiana

Press conference photo of health insurance chief Andreas Gassen calling for abolition of voluntary services to save 1 billion euros amid 12 billion euro gap.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Health insurers' chief demands abolition of voluntary services

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Andreas Gassen, chairman of the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, calls for the complete elimination of voluntary additional services provided by statutory health insurance funds to achieve savings. He estimates the potential savings at nearly one billion euros per year. This comes amid a looming financing gap of twelve billion euros in the statutory health insurance system.

House doctors demand savings in health insurers' administrative costs

Markus Blumenthal-Beier, head of the German house doctors' association, calls on statutory health insurers to cut their administrative costs. He proposes halving them mid-term rather than restricting patient care. CSU politician Klaus Holetschek advises seeking cooperations and mergers.

Warken confident of agreement on health insurance savings package ahead of mediation

Imeripotiwa na AI

Following recent coalition consultations, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken expressed optimism about her savings package to ease pressure on health insurance funds. The mediation committee meets on December 17 to resolve the stalled law, averting potential contribution hikes for millions in 2026.

Asia

Social security reforms: Details on copay hikes and drug coverage limits post-budget

Europe

KBV chief Gassen calls for more hospital closures and tax hikes

Siasa

Nina Warken expects quick agreement on annual prescriptions for chronically ill

SPD plans inheritance tax reform amid economic criticism

The SPD aims to reform inheritance tax to burden large fortunes more heavily while relieving smaller ones. The concept proposes a lifetime exemption of one million euros and raises the allowance for family businesses to five million euros. Business associations and the CDU criticize the plans as a burden on the middle class.

German government proposes social welfare reform

Imeripotiwa na AI

The black-red coalition plans a comprehensive modernization of the social system to reduce bureaucracy and digitize processes. A commission with representatives from the federal government, states, and municipalities has developed 26 recommendations, which Federal Social Minister Bärbel Bas will present on Tuesday. Planned are fewer authorities, merged benefits, and automatic child benefit, without cuts to social assistance.

Pharmacies plan protest day for higher fees

On the coming Monday, many pharmacies across Germany will close all day to protest for higher fees. Statutory health insurers criticize the action, accusing pharmacies of false claims since fees have risen since 2013.

Union and SPD agree on new heating law

Imeripotiwa na AI

The Union and SPD have agreed on the key points of a new Building Energy Act, abolishing the existing heating law. Instead of a 65 percent requirement for renewables, there will be a gradual increase in climate-friendly shares for gas and oil heaters. The reform is set to take effect before July 1.

Jumatano, 25. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 19:27:10

Klingbeil presents reform plan and demands courage

Jumapili, 1. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 07:36:16

"Agenda for workers": Criticism of CDU economic council proposals

Ijumaa, 30. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 07:44:33

Coalition plans: Tobacco tax hike could bring in billions

Jumapili, 25. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 01:23:12

Health insurers propose mandatory navigation app instead of doctor visit

Jumatano, 21. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 12:51:01

Nursing home costs rise above 3200 euros monthly

Alhamisi, 8. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 07:23:43

China expands long-term care insurance for elderly

Jumapili, 21. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 15:01:01

New laws to affect Swedish economy in 2026

Jumatano, 17. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 17:16:36

Conciliation committee reaches compromise on Warken's health insurance savings package

Jumatano, 10. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 12:03:21

Coalition leaders inform on results of consultations

Jumapili, 7. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 04:01:36

Government considers amendment for social security budget

 

 

 

Tovuti hii inatumia vidakuzi

Tunatumia vidakuzi kwa uchambuzi ili kuboresha tovuti yetu. Soma sera ya faragha yetu kwa maelezo zaidi.
Kataa