The German Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) has voiced opposition to proposals for a reduction in the number of statutory health insurance providers. Oliver Blatt, CEO of the GKV-Spitzenverband, characterized recent discussions regarding the optimal number of health insurers as a “typical summer lull debate” that distracts from the genuine financial challenges facing the statutory health insurance system.
Blatt highlighted the competitive landscape that has already significantly reduced the number of providers, noting the decrease from 420 insurance providers in 2000 to the current 94. He emphasized that this competition has also resulted in a threefold reduction in administrative costs compared to the private health insurance sector. He further explained that these administrative costs primarily consist of employee salaries, representing the workforce directly involved in servicing the 75 million insured individuals through physical offices, digital platforms and telephone support.
The statement comes in response to remarks made by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), who, in a recent interview, did not rule out the possibility of reducing the number of statutory health insurers. While acknowledging the potential for fewer providers without jeopardizing the system’s operational capacity, Warken suggested that the cost savings would be limited. She added that insured individuals generally appreciate efforts to streamline administrative expenses, irrespective of the number of health insurance providers. Blatt contends that any potential savings from consolidating insurance providers would be minimal and insufficient to offset rising healthcare costs.
