Health Policy

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.

March 19, 2026 Reported by AI

A revised ordinance will ban consumer products containing cannabis-derived CBN starting in June. Only patients with specific conditions, such as intractable diseases without alternative treatments, will be allowed to use them.

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.

November 29, 2025 Reported by AI Fact checked

With the December 7 deadline approaching, about 68 million Americans covered by Medicare must decide on their health coverage for 2026. University of Michigan research finds that many do not use available comparison tools, potentially leading to higher costs and less suitable coverage. Experts urge beneficiaries to rely on official resources and independent counseling to navigate their options.

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation aimed at increasing transparency in hospital pricing on September 12, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Republicans, requires hospitals to disclose standard charges for services in advance. The bill now moves to the Senate amid partisan divides.

September 30, 2025 Reported by AI

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finalized a rule requiring drug sponsors to submit diversity action plans for clinical trials. This aims to ensure better representation of underrepresented groups in medical research. The rule takes effect in 2025.