Overview

• GKV chief Oliver Blatt warns contributions may rise again in early 2026 without immediate government action to rein in costs and bolster revenues.
• Health Minister Nina Warken has pledged to prevent increases, yet a roughly €4 billion hole remains in the health budget with no concrete measures announced.
• Insurers urge federal reimbursement for healthcare provided to Bürgergeld recipients, estimating about €10 billion per year in costs now borne by the system.
• Short‑term options floated include linking spending growth to revenue growth, a modest inflationary tweak to medication co‑pays, and directing part of alcohol and tobacco levies to the health fund.
• Cost pressures cited include a 9.6% jump in hospital spending to €54.5 billion in the first half and widespread use of very high‑price drugs, prompting calls to concentrate hospital care and tighten benefit assessments for new medicines.