Overview
- Health Minister Nina Warken began a formal dialogue with sector groups to shape a primary‑care access model, with a draft bill targeted for summer 2026 and phased implementation discussed from 2028.
- Insurer group vdek projects record outlays of about €370 billion for statutory health insurance in 2026 and roughly €80 billion for long‑term care, backing reforms to steer demand more tightly.
- Core tools under discussion include a standardized digital or telephone first assessment, electronic referrals, and a central, non‑discriminatory appointment platform linked to existing services such as 116117.
- Patients would generally start with a GP or the first assessment before specialist visits, with exceptions for areas like gynecology, ophthalmology, dentistry, pediatrics, and chronic care still being negotiated.
- Stakeholders are debating incentives and penalties for bypassing referrals, while concerns persist over GP shortages, low electronic patient record uptake, and the risk of new bottlenecks without capacity upgrades.