Because the legal ones Health insurance companies Politicians are plagued by money problems Governing coalition from Union and SPD billions in savings proposals for a comprehensive health care reform next year. For example, patients should pay more. The deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Albert Stegemann, believes it makes sense to allow those with statutory health insurance to contribute more to the costs of doctor’s visits and medication. “A fully comprehensive mentality contradicts the appreciation of medical services. That’s why there should be no bans on practice fees or higher co-payments,” said Stegemann Picture-Newspaper. Corresponding steps would have to be discussed in the coalition.
The CDU politician also believes that several billion euros could be saved annually if a so-called primary doctor system were introduced. Family doctors should always serve as the first point of contact for patients and guide them through the health system. Specialist visits are then only if referred by the family doctor possible. “If the number of doctor contacts could be reduced by ten percent through primary care, that would mean savings of up to five billion euros annually – probably a little less,” said Stegemann.
SPD calls for contributions from doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies
The health policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, Christos Pantazis, also sees high potential for savings in the reform of the rescue and emergency services: “The reform of the rescue service alone would effectively control patient flows and could save up to six billion euros per year.” At the same time, Pantazis called for the burden of health care reform to be distributed fairly among all those involved. “In 2026, far-reaching reforms in the health system are needed. But these must not only be at the expense of patients and insured people. Everyone has to do their part: doctors, hospitals, Pharmaceutical companies“, he said Picture-Newspaper.
The CSU member of the Bundestag and health expert Stephan Pilsinger focuses on prevention. He sees potential savings of more than ten billion euros per year in the medium term through improved prevention. “Avoidable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise drive chronic diseases and put a strain on it Health system “Increasingly,” said Pilsinger. This development is exacerbated by demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers and rising costs. “In the medium term, ten to 20 billion euros could certainly be saved annually through better prevention,” said the CSU politician.
The federal government wants to reform statutory health insurance in the new year. The aim is to limit the rising supply costs and to avoid further increases in contributions. A commission of experts is expected to present proposals for stabilizing contributions by March. Further reform proposals should follow by the end of 2026.
