Germany's healthcare reform sparks outrage over higher drug costs for patients
But according to a Forsa poll conducted for Stern magazine and RTL, only 23 percent of Germans believe it is right for public health insurance patients to pay more in the future. Seventy-five percent reject the idea, while two percent responded with "don't know."
A clear majority of patients consider it unfair that they will soon have to pay significantly more out of pocket for prescription medications at pharmacies. Co-payments will rise to €7.50 per package, with a maximum of €15—up from the current range of €5 to €10.
Even among supporters of the two governing parties, a strong majority oppose increasing financial contributions from public health insurance patients: 71 percent of SPD voters and 61 percent of CDU/CSU supporters reject the plans. The most vocal opposition comes from supporters of the Left Party, with 91 percent saying no to making those with statutory health insurance pay more for their medications.
Last week, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) presented her proposals for healthcare reform, sparking widespread criticism—including from within the government. Under Warken's plan, some €20 billion would be generated through savings and additional revenue. Three key measures have drawn particular backlash: cuts to the contribution-free co-insurance of spouses, raising the income threshold for insurance contributions by an extra €300, and the decision to fund free health coverage for citizens' allowance recipients through contributions from those with statutory insurance rather than the federal budget.
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