Germany implements GKV contribution rate stabilization law

The Statutory Health Insurance Contribution Rate Stabilization Act (GKV-BStabG), also known as the GKV savings law, came into effect on July 30, 2026, with most changes scheduled for January 1, 2027. The legislation aims to limit expenditure dynamics in the healthcare sector to protect insured individuals from rising additional contributions.

Key changes include increased co-payments for medicines, rising from 5–10 euros to 7.50–15 euros, and a flat fee of 15 euros for physiotherapy per prescription. Dental subsidies for standard care are expected to decrease from 60% to 50%. Additionally, homeopathic and anthroposophic prescriptions for children under 12 were eliminated in July 2026, with a total ban for all ages starting in 2027. The law also impacts medical practices by phasing out extra-budgetary remunerations and special payments for hygiene or open consultation hours.

In the transport sector, the law tightens reimbursement limits for patient transport. VitaCare, a medical transport company in Frankfurt, warned that the removal of previous exceptions—which allowed for higher spending if offset by savings elsewhere—will create a gap between legal reimbursement ceilings and actual personnel and operating costs.