Overview

• Leaders agreed in principle in the Koalitionsausschuss that contribution rates will not rise on January 1, 2026, according to participant accounts.
• CDU/CSU floor leader Jens Spahn said the parties agree social insurance contributions should not increase, calling it an important signal for the insured.
• The government now must decide how to close the gap, with options including higher federal transfers or savings in the health sector.
• Internal estimates cited in reports put compensation for a 0.1 percentage-point move in long-term care contributions at roughly €2 billion.
• Pressure on statutory funds remains high after rising costs, and Health Minister Nina Warken had previously expected a higher supplementary premium in 2026; current base rates stand at 14.6% for health and 3.6% for long-term care.