A leading IT services provider, Bitmarck, is projecting significant cost increases for individuals insured under Germany’s statutory health insurance system (GKV), potentially pushing the average supplementary contribution beyond previously announced government figures. A competitive analysis released by Bitmarck, reported by the “Rheinische Post” suggests the average supplementary contribution could rise to 3.1 percent next year.
The projected increase stems from “dynamically rising” expenditures and a widening gap between income and outlays within the GKV system. A key contributing factor, according to Bitmarck’s analysis, is the inadequate federal compensation payments to recipients of Bürgergeld (basic income support). This shortfall places additional financial strain on the health insurance funds.
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) recently announced plans to fix the average supplementary contribution at 2.9 percent. However, as the supplementary contribution is determined individually by each Krankenkasse (health insurance fund), the Bitmarck projection indicates potential deviations from this government target.
The forecast has drawn sharp criticism from Sören Pellmann, parliamentary leader of the Left Party. He characterized Minister Warken’s figures as “utterly unsubstantiated” and accused the federal government of driving healthcare into crisis. Pellmann emphasized the need for a fairer distribution of the financial burden, advocating for a “solidarity-based health and care insurance system” that incorporates all sources of income, rather than focusing solely on performance cuts.
Bitmarck, the issuing firm of this analysis, is a service provider for social security organizations, with involvement from several health insurance funds. The revelation highlights the precarious financial position of the GKV and fuels the ongoing debate about the long-term sustainability of the statutory healthcare system under current policies.
