After health minister Nina Warken (CDU) announced her intent to keep supplementary health‑insurance contributions stable, the German Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV‑Spitzenverband) urged the federal government to act swiftly. Oliver Blatt, the association’s chairman, told the “Rheinische Post” that without decisive reforms the nation risks another rise in contributions later this year.
He explained that last year the total spending of statutory health insurers climbed 7.8 % from €327 billion to €352 billion. Hospital (inpatient) care was the largest driver, accounting for a near‑10 % jump to €111 billion, while outpatient services rose 7.6 % to €54 billion. Pharmaceutical costs climbed 5.9 % to €58 billion. For 2024, Blatt warned that expenditures are expected to grow 6.6 % to about €370 billion, yet contribution receipts will rise by less than 5 %, widening the gap between income and expenses.
“This pressure is real” he cautioned. “To keep contributions falling or at least stable, we need comprehensive reform this year, with effects by the beginning of 2027. If we fail, contributions will keep climbing”. He added that cutbacks must hit all major spending areas-hospitals, outpatient care, and drugs-to create the necessary fiscal space.
