Overview

• Tino Sorge, parliamentary state secretary in the Health Ministry, proposes lower-cost basic tariffs within statutory insurance with optional paid add-ons and incentives tied to a primary‑care model.
• Health Minister Nina Warken says the cabinet postponed planned adjustments to the hospital reform because the coalition has not reached internal agreement.
• Warken leaves short‑term savings options open, including potential benefit cuts, and presses the Finance Ministry for additional federal funds to hold contribution rates down.
• Reactions are sharply divided: AOK warns of desolidarization, the DGB and Greens fear a two‑ or three‑class system, the KBV backs more voluntary choice, the PKV cites competitive concerns, and the optics association sees scope for a glasses add‑on.
• The government’s expert commission begins work in September to craft proposals by spring 2026, as watchdogs highlight multi‑billion euro gaps and insurers report rising outlays and recent surcharge increases.