Health Insurance Reform Commission Launches Amidst Urgent Calls for Action
Berlin – A new commission tasked with reforming Germany’s statutory health insurance system officially begins its work on September 25th, announced Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU).The commission, comprised of ten professors specializing in health, law, ethics, and economics, aims to develop proposals to stabilize contribution rates starting in 2027. A comprehensive report outlining basic reforms is expected by the end of 2026.
The formation of the commission, agreed upon in the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD, comes as projections indicate a potential double-digit billion euro deficit by 2027 without intervention. Minister Warken emphasized the need for “deep reforms,” stating that “all supply areas have to be tested, all expenses and income,” and a break from the expectation of annual contribution increases.
Commission member Gregor Thüsing, a labor lawyer from Bonn, acknowledged the difficulty of finding effective and politically viable solutions. Professor michael Laxy of Munich highlighted the potential for increased preventative care.
However, health insurers are urging the government not to rely solely on the commission’s long-term proposals. Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, deputy head of the GKV top association, welcomed the commission’s launch but stressed the need for immediate action to prevent contribution increases in early 2026. The GKV proposes a ”legal cost brake” limiting health insurer expense increases to match income growth.
The coalition government is already exploring quick measures to address a four billion euro budget gap, even with planned financial injections. Minister Warken expressed optimism about finding solutions, potentially through a combination of increased budget allocation and savings measures.
Union faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU) also suggested revisiting a savings law previously used to manage rapidly increasing expenses with limited income growth. Recent increases in additional contributions set by health insurers for their members underscore the urgency of the situation.
SPD health expert Christos Pantazis cautioned against focusing solely on savings measures that could negatively impact patients, emphasizing the importance of protecting access to healthcare as a cornerstone of democracy.