Germany unveils pension, health and child‑savings reforms

From 1 January 2027 Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV) will raise copayments for medicines, dental work and other services, increasing monthly costs for millions of retirees by €27–65 while keeping contribution rates stable.

The long‑standing “Rente mit 63” scheme for early retirement is being scrapped amid rising social‑security costs and a tight labour market. Workers can instead use private “Wertguthaben” accounts to finance a voluntary early exit.

The government also plans a “Frühstart‑Rente” for children aged six to 18, depositing €10 per month per child into a tax‑free, capital‑based pension account, costing the state €198 million in 2026 and rising to €411 million by 2030.

A separate reform replaces the Bürgergeld with a new Grundsicherung, keeping the monthly standard rate at €563 and maintaining the constitutional guarantee of a minimum existence level.