Overview
- Germany’s GKV outlays are forecast to rise from about €330 billion to €353 billion next year, according to the Health Ministry’s estimator group.
- The GKV-Spitzenverband warns of substantial hikes in insurer-specific surcharges in 2026, saying even a €2 billion package still implies an average 2.9% surcharge and reserve rebuilding could force higher rates.
- After the Bundesrat sent the savings law to the mediation committee in late November, Chancellor Friedrich Merz now says the Länder have signaled they will back it next Friday, tied to a policy resolution.
- Hospitals remain the biggest and fastest-growing cost item at over €100 billion, while drug spending hit roughly €59.3 billion in 2024, with patent-protected and orphan medicines accounting for about 54% of drug costs despite only ~7% of daily doses.
- Insurers are setting 2026 rates unevenly: AOK Bayern proposes no increase pending a December 19 decision, Debeka BKK will hold its 3.25% surcharge, while leaders at TK and DAK caution that many funds still face increases and a reform commission is tasked with options for 2027.