Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) defended her savings law in an interview with the F.A.Z. against considerable opposition. She acknowledged that the project polarizes, but stressed: “It was always clear that the package would polarize, which I can understand.” The law initiates a paradigm shift in the healthcare system and closes a financial gap of historic proportions. This would stabilize insurance contributions.
Asked about the enormous resistance from hospitals, doctors, and the pharmaceutical industry, Warken replied: “But there is no alternative to this. It is the biggest savings law ever in the healthcare sector.” She pointed to the financial gap of around 30 billion euros next year in health and long-term care insurance funds. With the latest draft, 51 of the 66 recommendations of the Financial Commission on Health, which she appointed, are being implemented.
Warken admitted that the approval of the Bundesrat had to be bought dearly. “The states naturally have a very special view of the financial challenges facing hospitals, which are in the midst of a transformation process,” she said. Another step had been taken toward the states, but hospitals must continue to contribute and undergo structural change.
Regarding criticism of the contribution-free spousal insurance, the minister explained that she had defended this savings proposal because it reflects today’s reality. “For us, a central concern must be to get more women into employment,” Warken said. The compromise now reached – turning the free insurance into a low-cost one – is good.
Warken rejected the accusation of window dressing. Although the federal government initially pays the funds less than the previous 14.5 billion euros per year, the payments increase every year. “From 2029, we will be in the black,” she said. She defended the unscheduled increase in the contribution assessment ceiling: “Without reform, the burden would be significantly higher.” Otherwise, the additional contribution rates would rise from 2.9 to about 3.9 percent in 2027.
Source: www.faz.net
