The CSU is calling for changes to the savings package proposed by Health Minister Nina Warken of the CDU. CSU Bundestag member Emmi Zeulner told Spiegel that mayors, district administrators, and hospital CEOs warned that if the savings law proceeds as written, many institutions face the threat of insolvency or face even deeper cuts in their local budgets.
Zeulner emphasized that hospitals are currently in the middle of an immense structural reform process, which she noted must not be made unsolvable by the proposed savings package. The CSU politician also sees room for revisions regarding the duty-free co-insurance for dependents and hospitals.
The savings package for health insurance funds has been under debate in the Bundestag since Friday, targeting overall savings of approximately 16 billion euros. However, health funds have recently cautioned against even higher increases in healthcare spending.
As the chairwoman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and a member of the health committee, Zeulner stated that additional funding is definitely required. She demands a stronger equalization of federal funds to cover healthcare costs for recipients of the Bürgergeld benefit. Furthermore, she proposes introducing higher steering taxes on spirits, sugary beverages, and tobacco products.
