Yasmin Fahimi, chairwoman of the DGB union federation, strongly criticized the spending package proposed by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). According to Fahimi, the draft legislation constitutes an “irresponsible burden on the insured” predicting that the reform will impose both massive benefit cuts and higher co-payments for those covered by the statutory health insurance system. She stated that such unfair reductions would not be accepted passively by the public, criticizing the government for planning to cut spending on people who are already facing significant financial difficulties.
The proposed plan stems from Warken’s effort to find savings of around 20 billion euros within the health system, aiming to prevent further increases in mandatory insurance contributions. The legislation, which places burdens across the entire healthcare system, is scheduled for a vote in the cabinet on Wednesday, although negotiations are still underway within the government regarding potential amendments to the rules.
The DGB’s main concern revolves around the ideas that would directly affect employees. For instance, Fahimi noted that the plan includes suggestions to lower sick pay, describing this as a “hard blow for people with chronic or severe illnesses”. Additionally, the rise in medication co-payments is highly problematic, particularly since many people already struggle to afford the continuously increasing costs of daily necessities. Fahimi argued that the fundamental promise-that health care should not depend on one’s wallet-is seriously undermined by this reform. Consequently, DGB Chairwoman Fahimi demands that the government immediately abandon these cutbacks, advocating instead for a system of solidarity-based financing for statutory health care.
