Overview

• The Labor Ministry’s draft sets the monthly pension and unemployment insurance ceiling at €8,450 in 2026, up from €8,050, with annualization at €101,400.
• The health and long-term care ceiling would rise to €5,812.50 per month from €5,512.50, and the statutory insurance threshold for switching to private coverage would climb to €6,450.
• The ministry says the adjustment follows a statutory formula based on a 5.16% wage increase in 2024, leaving it with no discretionary leeway.
• FAZ calculations indicate affected high earners face roughly €1,784 more in annual contributions from the ceiling changes alone, with further costs possible if GKV additional premiums increase.
• Reactions split: employer and taxpayer groups warn of higher labor costs and burdens on specialists and the self‑employed, while union and Green voices call it a routine step and press for broader structural financing reforms.