Health insurance law sparks criticism at German health congress
A new health insurance law proposed by the German government has drawn significant criticism from health sector experts. The law aims to stabilize the finances of public health insurance but raises concerns about its impact.
The proposed German health insurance law became a focal point at the Capital Congress for Medicine and Health (HSK) in Berlin. Intended to stabilize the finances of public health insurance (GKV), the draft legislation has faced strong opposition from all stakeholders, including patients.
The bill aims to achieve savings of approximately 16 billion euros in its current form. However, many experts argue this is insufficient to cover rising costs. An initial projected deficit of 17 billion euros by 2027 is now estimated to exceed 19 billion euros, indicating that the proposed savings may not close the financial gap, and the pressure for further action is intensifying.
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken defended the proposal at the congress, calling for alternative suggestions and emphasizing the consensus on the need for savings. She highlighted that the federal government is now, for the first time, contributing to co-financing non-insured benefits. This aspect has also drawn criticism, as the federal finance ministry has proposed only a small fraction of the estimated 12 billion euros needed, while simultaneously reducing federal contributions to GKV.
Industry representatives, such as Andreas Storm, head of DAK Gesundheit, have criticized the government's approach. "The federal government is taking money from GKV to fix the federal budget. That is not acceptable," Storm stated. Andreas Gassen, chairman of the KBV (Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians), predicts the law's failure and anticipates eventual increases in insurance contributions, warning of service reductions and longer patient waiting times.