German Pharmacists Oppose New Savings Measures

The German Pharmacists Association (ABDA) has voiced criticism regarding a new legislative proposal that would impose further financial burdens on pharmacies. While supporting the objective of stabilizing statutory health insurance contribution rates, the association argues that additional economic pressures on pharmacies are disproportionate and detrimental given the sector's chronic underfunding.

ABDA submitted its statement on the draft law concerning the stabilization of contribution rates in the statutory health insurance system (GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz). The proposal includes an increase in the pharmacy surcharge from EUR 1.77 to EUR 2.07 per prescribed medication, effective from 2027, benefiting health insurance funds. ABDA President Thomas Preis highlighted that pharmacies have already contributed billions in savings to health insurance funds between 2013 and 2026 due to the lack of adjustment in the fixed remuneration per package, as their fees have not been adapted to overall economic developments.

Preis stated that a reduction in pharmacy remuneration now would be unacceptable, endangering pharmacies' financial planning security. It would also make establishing new pharmacies unattractive, particularly in structurally weaker regions, potentially impacting the provision of nationwide pharmaceutical care.

The association is appealing to the Bundestag to heed the Bundesrat's veto and prevent further weakening of the pharmacy system. ABDA also reminded that policymakers and society agree on the need to strengthen pharmacies and expand their pharmaceutical services to secure primary care and healthcare crisis resilience for the future.