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GKV crisis: Leftists demand immediate reforms in the Bundestag!
The Left calls for reforms to stabilize the GKV finances. Discussed in the Bundestag on June 6, 2025 – will measures be taken?
GKV crisis: Leftists demand immediate reforms in the Bundestag!
The financial situation of statutory health insurance (GKV) is described as disastrous. This alarming assessment recently led to a debate in the Bundestag in which the Left called for far-reaching changes in order to involve high earners more closely in the solidarity system. How Medical Journal reported, despite the recent increases in additional contributions, the health insurance situation has not become more stable. Although the coalition agreement provides for the establishment of a commission to develop reform proposals by 2027, the Left criticizes that this is too late and calls for immediate measures to stabilize contribution rates.
The Left's demands include raising the contribution assessment limit to 15,000 euros per month and the prospect of completely abolishing this limit. Furthermore, the party would like to adjust or abolish the compulsory insurance limit, reduce the VAT on medicines from 19 to 7 percent and make the federal subsidy more dynamic so that it is better adapted to the expenses of the statutory health insurance. In addition, all types of income, including capital gains, should be subject to contributions. However, the Left's request was rejected by the government factions.
Political reactions and demands
The CDU calls for a holistic approach to the debate and criticizes the ideological arguments of the left. The SPD also emphasizes the need for digitalization and a functioning primary doctor system. Health insurance experts are expressing concern about the situation and calling for short-term measures before the summer break. There is agreement that the proposals for health, care and pension reforms should be thought of together.
Daniel Bahr is pessimistic about the new federal government's willingness to reform. His assessment reflects the concerns that exist both among experts and in the political debate. The pressure to act is growing as the financial situation of the GKV becomes more and more precarious. The discussion about the necessary reform of statutory health insurance financing remains a hot topic in German politics. Further information about GKV financing options can be found on the website Federal Ministry of Health available.