The Association of Replacement Funds (vdek) calls for a strict alignment of the statutory health insurance (GKV) and long‑term care insurance (SPV) expenditures with their revenue development and for tighter management of care provision. The association added on Tuesday in Berlin that the overall societal responsibility for financing non‑insured services should be strengthened.
GKV spending is projected to reach a record level in 2026, approaching €370 billion, while SPV will be burdened with about €80 billion. Ulrike Elsner of the vdek said that the contribution‑rate increases at the start of the year had already stimulated the system. The average additional contribution rate now stands at 3.13 percent – twice as high as it was three years ago. If comprehensive reforms are not undertaken, another financing gap of more than €10 billion is expected for 2027. Elsner outlined ten key demands, including a ceiling on the nursing budget in hospitals and the reduction of VAT on pharmaceuticals.
The financial pressure on SPV is also intense, Uwe Klemens, the voluntary chair of the vdek, noted. To keep the contribution rate stable in 2026, additional borrowing was again used. For 2027, a financing shortfall of 0.3 contribution points is anticipated. Klemens urged policymakers to offset the state‑provided loans against the existing federal debt owed to the SPV.
