Overview
- Hendrik Streeck questioned prescribing very expensive therapies to very old patients on WELT TV, citing costly and futile end-of-life care for his father.
- Figures from the Greens, FDP and SPD and patient advocates condemned any age cutoff as unethical and incompatible with constitutional protections.
- The Bundesärztekammer welcomed a debate on avoiding overtreatment, stressing decisions should reflect prognosis, patient will and quality of life rather than age or price.
- Health Minister Nina Warken said the ministry will not pursue age-based limits, and no regulatory or coverage changes have been announced.
- The dispute unfolds as health spending nears €538 billion and falls under the G-BA’s benefits remit, with experts calling for clearer clinical guidance and closer scrutiny of high-priced drugs.