Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) said she is not opposed in principle to the SPD’s proposal to count pensions, rent and capital gains in the contribution calculation for statutory health insurers, provided it comes as part of a comprehensive package that also includes savings measures. “It can’t be enough to merely widen the revenue side” she told the magazine “Welt am Sonntag”. Warken stressed that the expense side must first be brought under control and reiterated that the solution has to be a total package.
At the same time, she warned that the sheer volume of suggestions from her own party can muddy the discussion. “It doesn’t really make it easier” she said. “It’s fine to explore many ideas, but single proposals are always a challenge”. Warken emphasized the importance of maintaining a solidarity system where people don’t have to worry whether they can afford a dental appointment. To her, such fragmentation is unacceptable and a difficult approach.
The debate over paid sick leave or remote medical certificates, she added, is insufficient. “We need a holistic assessment, strengthen prevention, and counteract targeted measures” Warken said. She pointed out that the biggest costs arise when people are ill for extended periods and place prolonged strain on the system.
