Oliver Blatt, the chairman of the GKV Top-Level Association, advocated for implementing a sugar tax and raising taxes on alcohol and tobacco during a discussion on healthcare reforms. Blatt told the “Rheinische Post” on Tuesday that “society needs to reach a point where not so many people suffer from so-called chronic diseases”. Regarding the proposals from the expert commission on GKV finances, he noted that the commission suggested increasing the taxes on alcohol and tobacco, and that introducing a sugar tax was also discussed. He stated that “it is better to have slightly more expensive beer and cigarettes than the billion-euro costs of subsequent illnesses resulting from drinking and smoking”.
Blatt also praised other reform suggestions. Specifically, he welcomed a mandatory second opinion for procedures such as operations on knees, hips, and other frequently performed interventions. He pointed out that the figures speak for themselves, noting that when a second opinion is obtained, about three-quarters of patients decide against surgery, opting instead for physiotherapy or alternative treatments.
However, concerning the proposal to eliminate the free supplementary insurance coverage for unemployed spouses, he expressed skepticism and cautioned against a hasty decision. He argued that “more potential savings could be achieved more easily and quickly in other areas”.
