"We simply cannot spend more than we take in. Health insurance contributions by Germans who pay into the public health insurance system rose by an average of 3% this year, on top of a 2.5% rise in 2025."
"Without the cost-saving measures, Germany's public health insurance funds face a budget shortfall of over 15 billion ($17.7 billion) by 2027."
"Patients will have to pay between 7.50 and 15 for prescriptions, up from the current 5 to 10. Mandatory second opinions will be required to approve expensive surgeries."
"From 2028, spouses without their own source of income will have to pay a flat rate of 3.5% of their spouse's income, with lower rates for low and middle-income earners."
Germany's Health Minister Nina Warken announced reforms to address the healthcare system's financial challenges. The draft legislation aims to prevent further increases in health insurance contributions, which have already risen by an average of 3% this year. Public health insurance funds face a projected budget shortfall of over 15 billion by 2027. Key measures include increased patient costs for prescriptions, mandatory second opinions for certain surgeries, and new contributions for spouses without income. These reforms are part of a broader effort to curb escalating healthcare costs.
Read at www.dw.com
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