Lauterbach Faces Criticism Over Health Insurance Contribution Projections

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach predicts stable contributions for 2026, but faces backlash over anticipated increases in 2025 and alleged misinformation.

• Lauterbach announced that health insurance contributions are expected to remain stable in 2026, following a significant increase in 2025.
• Bavaria's Health Minister Judith Gerlach accuses Lauterbach of misleading the public about future costs associated with the planned hospital reform.
• The 2025 increase in health insurance contributions is projected to be a historic rise, with the total contribution rate reaching 17.1%.
• The projected increase is partly blamed on the financial deficits within the German healthcare system, with critics urging the federal government to provide more support.
• The controversy centers on the costs of a planned hospital reform, which are expected to add billions to the healthcare system from 2026 onwards.

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