Overview
- Jens Baas of Techniker Krankenkasse told ARD he expects an average contribution increase next year, with the Zusatzbeitrag likely slightly above 3% at the start of 2026.
- The warning contradicts earlier assurances from Health Minister Nina Warken, who had ruled out a hike and based planning on a 2.9% average Zusatzbeitrag.
- TK forecasts a funding gap of roughly €10 billion in 2026 and signals that some insurers may have to raise rates again during the year.
- The Bundesrat sent the government’s €2 billion cost‑saving law to the mediation committee, delaying relief measures that the ministry had factored into its 2026 calculation.
- Baas attributes mounting costs to poorly coordinated care and calls for broad structural reforms, cautioning that levies for health and long‑term care could exceed 25% by the end of the legislative term without countermeasures.