Consumer protection advocates in Germany are pressing for more time for the proposed healthcare reform. Ramona Pop, a board member of the Federal Association for Consumer Advice (VZBV), told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that, “We find it difficult that the reform is being pushed through so quickly”. Pop warned that rushing the process would be dangerous, stating, “The draft bill is set to be presented in less than two weeks. Making a rush for it is quite dangerous”. According to Pop, a major project like this requires sufficient expert consultation and discussion, and therefore the association hopes the government will take more time to ensure the healthcare reform succeeds.
The proposal was presented by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) on Thursday; the reform is intended to save €20 billion starting next year, thereby avoiding further contributions increases. Following the wishes of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the reform is scheduled to pass the cabinet in April and be adopted by the Bundestag before the summer recess. While the VZBV largely supports the goals of the reform, Pop noted, “We have one of the most expensive, but not the most efficient, healthcare systems in the world. Therefore, we generally offer our full support for the ambition to finally change things and relieve the burden on legally insured people”.
