German health insurers warn coalition against weakening €18 billion health savings package

The Spitzenverband der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen (GKV), led by Oliver Blatt, cautioned Germany’s black‑red coalition that softening the planned health‑savings package would jeopardise public finances. The package, worth more than €18 billion, is slated for a Bundestag vote next week and aims to close an €18.8 billion deficit projected for 2026. It seeks to limit fee increases for doctors, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry, while tightening patient co‑payments and restricting free spouse coverage.

Blatt warned, “Wenn nicht schnell und entschlossen gehandelt wird, dann fliegen uns zum Jahreswechsel die Finanzen um die Ohren,” saying that health‑insurance expenses have risen twice as fast as revenues. He urged parliament to resist lobbying from the pharma sector, hospitals and medical associations, noting protests from health‑care providers, industry groups, and patient advocates. Without decisive reforms, the insurers risk renewed contribution hikes.