German Pharmacists' Association Criticizes Proposed Fee Increase

The German Pharmacists' Association (ABDA) has voiced strong opposition to a government draft law that would raise the fee pharmacies must pay to health insurers for each prescription dispensed. The proposal, part of the GKV-Finanzstabilisierungsgesetz (Statutory Health Insurance Financial Stabilization Act), seeks to increase this fee from €1.77 to €2.00.

ABDA President Gabriele Regina Overwiening described the plan as "a slap in the face for pharmacists" and a sign of "lack of imagination in health policy." She stated that the measure would lead to annual cuts of €120 to €140 million, without contributing to any actual efficiency gains within the healthcare system. Overwiening emphasized that the existing network of 18,000 local pharmacies operates highly efficiently, with its share of statutory health insurance expenditure having decreased to just 1.9% over the years.

Furthermore, ABDA highlighted that pharmacies have been making a significant, albeit involuntary, contribution to solidarity within the system. Their remuneration for dispensed medicines has been frozen for many years, while inflation has risen sharply. This stagnation in fees, coupled with rising operational costs, puts a strain on pharmacy businesses.

The association views the government's approach as contradictory. While policies are being considered to fund the introduction of new pharmaceutical services and strengthen local pharmacies, the proposed fee increase would effectively claw back funding. ABDA argues this contradicts the coalition agreement's stated goal of supporting local pharmacies and expanding pharmaceutical services.