Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) expects a quick agreement on implementing annual prescriptions for chronically ill patients. She told the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that, given limited care capacity, it makes sense to reduce unnecessary doctor visits and wait times and to move beyond the current quarterly system for chronic patients. She said the change should not raise costs for health insurers or patients and expects a “swift settlement”. If further significant delays occur, the ministry will consider the necessary steps under its legal supervisory authority.
The proposal follows a law passed during the tenure of her predecessor, Karl Lauterbach (SPD). The law requires chronic patients to renew their prescriptions only once a year. While doctors and health insurers have generally expressed openness to the reform, there is no definitive agreement yet on how to implement it. A spokesperson for the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) described the matter as a “complex challenge” though they anticipate a deal this spring. The national association of sickness funds also signals support. Co‑chair Stefanie Stoff‑Ahnis told the paper that “annual prescriptions as an additional option are good and right”. The measure would save certain chronically ill patients unnecessary trips and relieve practices from routine quarterly appointments.
Health economist Boris Augurzky of the RWI Institute noted that the transition could reduce the number of doctor contacts. “I expect that a significant portion of the one‑billion visits-probably a seven‑figure figure-is attributable to the quarterly system” he said.
