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Statutory health insurance on the upswing: 1.8 billion euros surplus and pharmaceuticals as the key!
Federal Ministry of Health publishes statutory health insurance surplus of €1.8 billion for Q1 2025; Importance of medication supply underlined.
Statutory health insurance on the upswing: 1.8 billion euros surplus and pharmaceuticals as the key!
The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has recently published the financial situation of the statutory health insurance companies (GKV) for the first quarter of 2025. Accordingly, the cash registers achieved a surplus of 1.8 billion euros. This indicates a positive development, but warns Pharma Deutschland e.V. from jumping to conclusions too quickly. The managing director of Pharma Germany, Dorothee Brakmann, appeals for the need for a dialogue with the industry in order to ensure long-term stabilization of the statutory health insurance system.
Statutory health insurance expenses are increasing primarily due to medical progress and changes in the population structure. Although the financial indicators currently appear encouraging, the share of pharmaceuticals in total expenditure remains stable. Prescribed medications play a crucial role as they relieve the burden on hospitals and reduce the costs of inpatient treatment. This is seen as a positive contribution to healthcare. Brakmann emphasizes that medicines help reduce the burden of disease and avoid hospitalizations.
Structural reforms necessary
However, the current situation requires a comprehensive reform policy in the healthcare system. The reforms should particularly focus on tax-financed coverage of non-insurance benefits. Pharma Germany calls for medicines to be viewed not just as a cost factor, but as an opportunity for economic growth. The industry is not only responsible for health care, but also contributes to strengthening the economy.
Pharma Deutschland e.V., the largest pharmaceutical industry association in Germany, represents around 400 companies and employs around 80,000 people. These companies ensure the supply of medicines in Germany, providing almost 80% of over-the-counter medicines and two thirds of prescription medicines as well as a large proportion of medical devices.
Given the stable financial situation of the GKV in the first few months of the year, the coming months are crucial for the development of the healthcare system. It will be important to develop strategies that improve both financial stability and the quality of health care.