Germany's GKV reform raises senior contributions, eases family burden

The coalition government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Health Minister Nina Warken introduced a health‑insurance (GKV) reform aimed at relieving statutory health insurers financially. While the plan retains a 50 % increase in co‑payments for medicines and hospital stays and raises the pharmaceutical rebate from 7 % to 15.5 %, it modifies the additional family‑insurance surcharge.

The surcharge for spouses and civil partners will be 2.5 % of taxable income instead of the originally planned 3.5 %, and children up to age 11 are exempt (previously age 6). At the same time, other cost‑saving measures remain: medication co‑payments rise to €7.50‑€15 per prescription, free co‑insurance for partners without children is removed, coverage for homeopathic remedies is eliminated, dental subsidies drop from 60 % to 50 %, and the contribution assessment ceiling is lifted by €300.

The government intends to pass the reform through the Bundestag and Bundesrat within the week, aiming to stabilise contribution rates while shifting more costs onto insured individuals, especially those over 60.