Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) has distanced herself from the SPD’s proposal to tap rental income and investment proceeds to fund the statutory health insurance (GKV). Instead, she has expressed support for the idea that so‑called “non‑contributory benefits” be financed from federal funds.
“I support Carsten Linnemann’s demand that the GKV’s non‑contributory benefits be funded by federal money” Warken told the “Handelsblatt” (Tuesday edition). She added that it is unjust for legally insured persons to pay billions of euros each year to cover basic security recipients.
Warken’s stance aligns with CDU General‑Secretary Carsten Linnemann, who, on Sunday night on ARD, suggested that these contributions should no longer be drawn from the regular insured’s premiums. According to Linnemann, legal insurance covers a double‑digit billions‑per‑year sum for the protection of citizens receiving basic income.
On the other side, the SPD leadership issued a position paper over the weekend proposing that the financing of health and care also incorporate rental income and capital gains. The party’s rationale is that expanding the contribution base would ultimately lead to lower contribution rates for insured individuals.
