German health reform criticised over financing gap, says GBA chief Hecken

Josef Hecken, chair of the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (GBA), criticised the health‑financing package proposed by Health Minister Nina Warken, calling it a "grave justice gap". He noted that the current cost of covering Bürgergeld recipients – roughly €12 billion a year – is borne by statutory health insurers, while the federal contribution is a small flat rate that does not cover the expenses. Warken plans to raise federal funding, starting with €250 million for 2027 and increasing annually, but simultaneously cut other federal subsidies to the insurers. Hecken urged the government to fund the gap by raising taxes on tobacco, high‑strength alcohol and sugary drinks. He also highlighted past pharmaceutical warnings about drug‑price reforms and said the GBA had saved about €11 billion annually through its drug‑evaluation process. He will hand over the GBA chairmanship to Sonja Optendrenk on 1 July.

Left‑party politician Janine Wissler demanded that the planned GKV reform be scrapped entirely, arguing it would entrench a two‑tier medical system that benefits private clinics and pharma at the expense of publicly insured patients and workers. She called for abolishing the reform and protecting equitable health care.