The legislative package from Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) passed the parliament with 319 votes in favor, 286 against, and four abstentions. A total of 609 lawmakers voted. Without countermeasures, the funds face a deficit of up to 19 billion euros next year.
The package includes higher co-payments for medications and cuts to the contribution-free spousal insurance. For office-based physicians, certain additional payments will be eliminated, such as those for open consultation hours without an appointment. Hospital remuneration increases will also be capped.
Critics accuse the minister of placing too great a burden on the insured and endangering jobs in healthcare facilities. The Bundesrat will vote on the law later today. Since it does not require approval, the states cannot block it, but they can delay it by referring it to the responsible Bundestag committee.
Source: Tagesschau
