Fight for finances: Associations are pushing for immediate measures in the healthcare system!

Fight for finances: Associations are pushing for immediate measures in the healthcare system!

On May 21, 2025, the German social systems will face a decisive turning point. Dr. Carola Reimann, the chairwoman of the AOK Federal Association, has called on the new Federal Health Minister Nina Warken to quickly implement financial restructuring measures for statutory health insurance (GKV) and social long-term care insurance (SPV). Given the critical financial situation of these institutions, quick action is required.

As part of the new coalition agreement, a key agreement was made to close the structural gap between income and expenditure in the GKV, which has been positively received by the AOK. However, Reimann emphasizes that the implementation of the first immediate measures is now the highest priority in order to ensure financial stability. Dr. Doris Pfeiffer, CEO of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, emphasized the urgency of immediate action and criticized the commission provided for in the contract, which is only supposed to deliver results in 2027. She also calls for short-term financial stabilization measures.

Speed ​​and a moratorium on spending are required

The need for a moratorium on spending is reiterated by several health insurance associations. This moratorium is intended to ensure that no price or fee increases beyond current revenue are permitted. Ulrike Elsner, chairwoman of the Association of Replacement Funds (VDEK), also calls for bold steps and a revenue-oriented spending policy. Their argument underlines the necessary political will to reform in order to break new ground in the financial design of social systems.

The health insurance associations are not only calling for immediate measures, but also structural reforms to ensure citizens' trust in the social systems and the democratic system. Avoiding patronage politics plays a central role in order to avoid additional burdens for contributors. In addition, good access to care, coordination of care and the avoidance of further additional costs for statutory health insurance companies are of crucial importance.

Financial challenges and required measures

The financial pressure on the GKV will be further increased by increasing expenses in 2025, which are expected to rise by 21 billion euros to 341 billion euros. In contrast, revenue without additional contributions is expected to be only 295 billion euros. This creates a clear imbalance that needs to be urgently addressed.

As part of their reform proposals, the associations are also demanding reimbursement to stabilize contribution rates, which is not anchored in the new coalition agreement. The compensation for non-insurance benefits, which amount to 20 billion euros for the GKV and 9.2 billion euros for the SPV in 2025 and 2026, is also still pending. Failure to do so in this area could lead to significant increases in contributions and jeopardize the system as a whole.

The AOK and other health insurance associations are in a critical phase in which quick action is crucial in order to ensure the performance of the healthcare system and not to endanger the trust of citizens. The discussion about structural reforms and financial stabilization will now be placed on the agenda of the new government, which must face the challenges of the coming years.