German Health Minister Nina Warken Introduces Major Health Reform to Alleviate Statutory Insurance Costs

On April 28, 2026, German Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) unveiled comprehensive health reform plans aimed at reducing the financial strain on the statutory health insurance system (GKV) by €20 billion. In 2025, GKV expenditures reached €352 billion—a 7.8% increase—highlighting a growing financial challenge.

Key reform proposals include increased co-payments for prescribed medications raising the minimum from €5 to €7.50 and the maximum from €10 to €15. Additionally, coverage for services such as homeopathy and asymptomatic skin cancer prevention will be dropped. The reform also calls for charging family insurance for low-income spouses, which was previously free.

A significant change affects long-term sick individuals, whose sickness benefits will be reduced from 70% to 65% of gross salary, capped at a maximum period of 78 weeks within three years.

The reform faces political debate, especially between the SPD and Union parties, concerning the financing of healthcare for citizens receiving basic income. Currently, the federal government contributes €144 per month per recipient to the GKV, an amount considered insufficient, forcing GKV insured members to cover the shortfall while privately insured individuals do not contribute. The SPD advocates for pharmaceutical industry savings, whereas the CDU resists heavy additional burdens on that sector.

Approval of the reform is expected imminently, with plans to present it to the Bundestag for further discussion and legislative action.