Overview
- Oliver Blatt, head of the public insurers’ umbrella group, endorsed higher levies on beer, spirits, cigarettes and a new charge on sugary drinks in interviews published Tuesday.
- Germany’s statutory health insurance, which covers most residents, faces a €15 billion shortfall in 2027 as Health Minister Nina Warken reviews options for a summer reform package.
- The expert commission’s blueprint lists 66 measures worth up to €42 billion in savings, with the biggest share from slowing growth in payments to doctors, hospitals and drugmakers.
- An INSA poll published Sunday found 51% support for higher taxes on tobacco and spirits to help stabilize the health system.
- CSU health leader Klaus Holetschek said any new tax revenue must be earmarked for health care and warned against ending free spousal co-insurance.