Overview
- An expert commission appointed by Health Minister Nina Warken published 66 recommendations on Tuesday that could save up to €42 billion in 2027, which is more than the roughly €15 billion gap projected for that year.
- Patient-facing ideas include ending free co-insurance for non‑earning spouses, which the report pegs at about €240 per month per person and €3.5 billion in 2027 savings, and raising pharmacy co-pays from €5 to €7.50 with a higher cap of €15.
- Revenue moves target health‑related consumption with a new tax on sugary drinks and higher taxes on tobacco and spirits, while system changes would cap payment growth to doctors and hospitals at insurer revenue growth for about €5.5 billion in savings.
- The commission also urges the federal government to fully cover contributions for people on basic income support, which the report says would relieve the statutory system by about €12 billion a year.
- Warken called the report a toolbox and promised no one‑sided burdens with draft legislation targeted by summer, as the insurers’ umbrella group sees room to hold or even cut 2027 rates, the doctors’ association warns of fewer appointments if fees are curbed, and consumer advocates say higher co-pays could block care for low‑income patients.