Health Insurers: Left Pushes for Higher Contributions from High Earners - CSU Wants More Co-payments - German Government Proposes Major Healthcare Contribution Changes
The German government is planning changes to healthcare contributions. Minister Nina Warken (CDU) is considering a 50% increase in surcharges for medications and hospital services, aiming to keep the annual contribution assessment ceiling at 66,150 euros. Meanwhile, Alexander Hoffmann of the CSU calls for copayment changes, and The Left demands raising and eventually abolishing the contribution assessment limit.
The Ministry of Health is looking into ways to save around 1.8 billion euros from hospitals next year. This includes potentially halving the innovation fund for the health sector. Federal Health Minister Warken is also considering a significant increase in copayments, with the insured's own contribution for pharmaceuticals possibly doubling. The federal cabinet has decided to raise the monthly contribution assessment limit for statutory health insurance to 5,812.50 euros next year.
Ines Schwerdtner of The Left argues that the current system is unfair. She points out that employees pay contributions on their entire salary, while employers do not. This, she believes, puts an unfair burden on workers.
The government's plans for healthcare contributions are facing criticism. While Minister Warken aims to maintain the current ceiling, The Left demands a raise and eventual abolition of the limit. The Ministry of Health is exploring savings, and copayments may increase. The debate on fairness in the current system continues.
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