The health‑policy spokesperson for the Green Party in the Bundestag, Janosch Dahmen, urged the federal government to enact the proposed reforms for public health insurance (GKV) without delay. “The government has little time left. We no longer need more debate or rounds of discussion” Dahmen told the broadcasters RTL and ntv.
He pushed for decisive action: “The era of talking is over. We are losing a valuable year that has already disappeared behind closed doors in committees. Today is the hour of truth” he said regarding the GKV commission’s cost‑saving proposals.
The commission that determines contributions for the next year meets in October, so Dahmen said the government must bring finished draft laws to the table before the summer recess. “The coalition should not let precious days slip away during the Easter break; instead it needs to pull together quickly and present reform plans” he remarked.
If the €15 million budget gap cannot be closed, Dahmen warned that contributions could rise sharply by January next year. This would affect not only insured individuals but also employers, who would face higher wage‑related taxes. “If the coalition fails to agree on comprehensive reforms, contributions to statutory health and long‑term care could climb to as much as 25 percent by the end of this legislative session. That would mean a quarter of wages gone- and Germany’s economic competitiveness would be in serious jeopardy. This must not happen” he concluded.
