A newly formed financial commission, convened by Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU), has outlined its approach to developing reform proposals aimed at stabilizing the finances of Germany’s statutory health insurance system. During its inaugural meeting in Berlin, the commission committed to delivering recommendations by the end of March 2026 – a year ahead of the timeline stipulated in the governing coalition agreement. This accelerated schedule is intended to facilitate the stabilization of health insurance contributions from 2027 onward, avoiding further increases.
Minister Warken emphasized the significance of the undertaking, stating that the coming months represent a crucial opportunity to future-proof the core pillars of Germany’s social security system. She acknowledged the considerable challenges, noting that the statutory health insurance system currently faces substantial financial deficits projected to reach double-digit billions of euros. The commission’s proposed reforms are expected to address this deficit and fundamentally rebuild the system on a sustainable footing.
Minister Warken stressed the commission’s independence, asserting that its work would be unconstrained by predetermined assumptions, allowing for a comprehensive review of the entire system. The commission will be free to explore a wide range of potential solutions.
During the inaugural meeting, Wolfgang Greiner was elected as the commission’s chairperson, with Ferdinand Gerlach and Leonie Sundmacher selected as deputy chairpersons. The commission’s membership comprises leading academics with expertise spanning public law, general medicine, health economics, public health, healthcare management, labor law, quantitative care research, translational medical ethics and economics.
