Overview

• The electronic patient record (ePA) system is set to launch nationwide in Germany on April 29, with a voluntary opt-out phase before mandatory adoption in October 2025.
• Approximately 5% of insured individuals, equating to several million people, have formally objected to the system, far below the government’s initial projection of 20%.
• Objection rates differ by insurer, with Techniker Krankenkasse reporting 7% and IKK classic 9%, highlighting varied public reception.
• Critics, including IT security experts, continue to voice concerns about potential data breaches and the misuse of sensitive health information, despite government assurances of improved safeguards.
• Advocacy groups and privacy advocates are urging citizens to boycott the ePA, citing ethical and security risks, while the government frames the initiative as a transformative step for digital healthcare.