(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – The hospital savings proposal has received formal approval from the Federal Cabinet. Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU) stated in Berlin that this measure is intended to stabilize the average supplemental contribution rate for statutory health insurance, ensuring it remains at its current level. The most substantial portion of the 2 billion euros healthcare savings package is allocated to hospitals. In contrast to previous projections, a revised methodology for calculating hospital remuneration will be introduced. This adjustment is expected to significantly curb the rate of cost increases and generate savings of up to 1.8 billion euros in the coming fiscal year.
Warken emphasized that, in light of the present economic pressures, it is prudent to reimburse hospitals solely for actual cost increases rather than estimated or projected figures. She noted that in prior years, the approach to hospital compensation had been overly generous, and that greater fiscal discipline is now necessary to preserve the sustainability of the healthcare system.
In addition to the hospital-related measures, the Federal Ministry of Health has announced a cap on the growth of administrative expenditures for statutory health insurers. These costs will be limited to an increase of no more than eight percent compared to the 2024 baseline. This restriction primarily targets material expenses, including promotional activities, postal services, and office furnishings. The ministry anticipates that this cap will result in additional savings of approximately 100 million euros.
The Cabinet’s decision precedes the publication of the annual financial forecast by the independent estimation panel later in the day. This forecast serves as a critical reference point for assessing whether adjustments to contribution rates are warranted. The federal government cannot directly mandate uniform supplemental rates for all insured individuals as each statutory health insurance provider retains the authority to set its own supplemental contribution rate – based on its financial condition. A widespread increase in these rates was observed at the beginning of 2025, underscoring the importance of continued fiscal oversight and targeted cost containment measures.
