German Health Minister Nina Warken Leads GKV Reform Debate

On 12 June 2026 the Bundestag debated a draft reform of the statutory health insurance (GKV) presented by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). The proposal aims to prevent further rises in contributions by delivering at least €16.3 billion in savings for 2027. Measures include higher co‑payments for medicines, a raise in the income threshold for contributions, ending free co‑insurance for spouses, and cutting benefits such as homeopathy, cannabis‑flower reimbursements, biennial skin‑cancer screening and statutory orthodontic coverage. Additional revenue is sought through a sugar‑drink tax and increased pharmacy fees. The plan also introduces a three‑tier partial incapacity sick‑leave system, removes extra fees for outpatient doctors, caps hospital nursing budgets and tightens pharmaceutical discount rules.

The reform faces broad opposition from opposition parties, patient‑protection groups, the German Trade Union Confederation and medical professionals, who warn of higher burdens on insured citizens and a risk of hospital insolvency. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stipulated that the savings target must not be reduced. Bundesrat President Andreas Bovenschulte expects the Länder to invoke the mediation committee, which could delay the legislation after the Bundestag stage. The financing gap for the health insurance funds is projected to be €3.5 billion larger than previously forecast, exhausting the buffer originally set aside for 2027.