The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) is poised to initiate legal action against the Federal Republic of Germany, citing inadequate state funding for health insurance contributions for recipients of the basic income support program, Bürgergeld.
According to reports, a vote on pursuing the lawsuit is expected during a board meeting scheduled for Thursday. The legal challenge, as detailed in internal documents, centers on concerns regarding the “insufficient financing of healthcare provision for Bürgergeld recipients.
A background paper presented to the board indicates a significant shortfall in funding. It highlights a discrepancy between the actual contribution allowance paid in 2022 – €108.48 per month – and the amount deemed necessary to cover expenses, estimated at €311.48 per month. The association anticipates that the statutory health insurance community will face annual burdens of approximately €10 billion due to this funding gap.
The association argues that, as a result of the non-cost-covering financing of insurance coverage for Bürgergeld beneficiaries, the GKV effectively assumes a responsibility that falls solely within the purview of the federal government. The defendant in the case will be the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). The Higher Regional Court of North Rhine-Westphalia has been designated as the responsible court for the legal proceedings.
Recipients of Bürgergeld are typically covered by statutory health insurance. The association of health insurance funds has consistently voiced concerns regarding the insufficient funding of their contributions from state budgetary resources.
