German Health Minister Nina Warken unveils major health‑insurance savings plan and care‑home reform

Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken announced a €2.5 billion extra saving program to close a €3.5 billion deficit in the statutory health‑insurance system and keep contribution rates stable. The draft proposes cuts to spending in doctors' practices, hospitals and the pharmaceutical sector, higher medication co‑payments and tighter rules for spouses’ free co‑insurance. At the same time Warken called for a reduction of building‑standard and place‑requirements for nursing homes, arguing that “over‑regulation” drives up care‑home costs and residents’ own contributions. She defended the existing supplemental care allowances but said they would be paid out later, a measure that could save about €2.6 billion for the care insurance and offset the projected deficit. The reform also includes a proposal to make private long‑term‑care insurance tax‑deductible. Industry reactions were mixed: the hotel‑and‑restaurant union Dehoga warned that higher employer contributions for mini‑jobs could jeopardise jobs, while the pharmaceutical industry warned of investment pull‑backs but Warken insisted the plan is balanced and Germany will remain an attractive pharma location.