Overview
- The federal cabinet has sent a €2 billion savings package to parliament, with a Bundestag vote expected this week.
- The plan targets spending brakes at hospitals and seeks to hold the orientation mark for the average supplemental contribution at 2.9 percent.
- Major funds including the GKV-Spitzenverband and AOK expect additional financing needs of at least 0.1 contribution points due to reserve replenishment.
- Employers and AOK estimate net hospital savings near €1.3 billion rather than the projected €1.8 billion because tariff wage increases must be fully covered by the funds.
- Individual sickness funds will set their 2026 supplemental rates in the coming weeks, and members gain a special termination right if their fund raises contributions.