Overview
- Health Minister Nina Warken confirmed the average benchmark for statutory funds at 2.9 percent for 2026, based on the Schätzerkreis calculation and published slightly later than the legal 1 November date.
- Parliament has passed a savings law targeting roughly €2 billion in cost brakes, largely in hospital spending, intended to ease near-term pressure on contribution rates.
- The GKV federation, citing Chairman Oliver Blatt, warns that without further measures many insurers will raise rates, pushing the average add-on above three percent next year.
- The benchmark is only guidance, as each fund sets its own add-on based on its finances; members split the overall 14.6 percent base rate plus the fund’s add-on and gain a special right to switch if their fund increases it.
- TK chief Jens Baas calls the package too small and questions its effectiveness, arguing that blocked drug price reforms and close ties to the pharmaceutical industry are keeping costs high.