Krankenkassen: Krankenkassenbeiträge - stabil oder nicht?

The German Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) announced that the average additional contribution rate for statutory health insurance (GKV) will remain stable at 2.9 percent in the coming year. This prediction comes from a government calculation, though individual health insurers might raise their contributions despite the stable rate.

The Greens in the Bundestag are already expecting a slightly higher average additional contribution rate than officially stated. The GKV forecasting circle published its financial prognosis for this and next year, revealing a consistent 2.9 percent average additional contribution rate for 2027. Minister Linnemann stated that the average contribution rate will remain stable next year.

While higher contributions are not ruled out, individual insurers will decide the exact amount based on their own financial situation. The fixed average size is merely a guideline, as insurers set their own additional contributions, which range from 2.18 to 4.39 percent, according to Kassen data. The health insurer association's chief, Oliver Blatt, warned of risks and mentioned a possible increase in the contribution rate due to a proposed location clause.

The coalition government decided on a Kassen-Sparpaket (insurer savings package) in summer, and there will be further changes to the savings plans attached to a healthcare emergency care reform in the Bundestag. The package includes budget cuts for practices, clinics, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as higher co-payments for medications and restrictions on joint partner insurance.

The goal is to keep the average additional contribution at 2.9 percent, but the reality shows a gap between the target and actual contributions. Official experts predict expenditure to increase to nearly 378 billion euros next year, with the government's savings package potentially reducing expenses by up to 15 billion euros in 2027.