German Health Insurers and Doctors Oppose Government Savings Package

Germany’s statutory health insurers have asked the federal government to revise its current savings package, warning that health‑care spending rose 8 % in the first quarter of 2026. The main cost drivers were hospital treatments (+9.4 %), medicines (+6.4 %) and outpatient care (+7.3 %). Insurer chief Oliver Blatt said a financing gap of €2.5 billion is expected for 2027 – €18.8 billion versus the €16.3 billion covered by the draft law – and called for a larger safety buffer, more tax‑based financing for citizens receiving unemployment benefits, and greater contributions from the pharma industry.

The government’s health‑care savings commission, led by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), plans to curb reimbursements for clinics, practices and pharmaceuticals and to raise medication co‑payments. The Freie Ärzteschaft, represented by chairman Wieland Dietrich, criticised the commission’s proposals, saying they target ambulatory medicine despite the sector handling 97 % of cases with only 16 % of total health spending. Dietrich warned that the cuts would reduce services, lengthen waiting times and jeopardise free doctor choice, likening the measures to the government’s controversial heating‑law reforms.