(de-news.net) – The Bundestag, in its final session of the year, endorsed a compromise savings package designed to stabilize contributions to Germany’s statutory health insurance system. The plan reflects a dual strategy: safeguarding the sustainability of health insurance contributions while simultaneously modernizing the distribution of medical responsibilities.

The measure followed a period of institutional disagreement: the Bundesrat had rejected the original draft and referred it to the Mediation Committee, where representatives of both chambers negotiated a settlement. That agreement was subsequently returned to the Bundestag for approval, marking a significant step regarding health financing.

The revised plan differs from the initial proposal primarily in its treatment of hospitals. Whereas the earlier draft had imposed heavier cost‑cutting obligations on medical institutions, the compromise reduces the extent of those savings, thereby easing the financial burden on hospitals and ensuring that essential services are less disrupted. Analysts noted that the Bundesrat was expected to give its consent later the same day, a move that would complete the legislative process and secure the package’s implementation.

Beyond fiscal adjustments, the legislation also introduces reforms in the area of nursing care. These provisions expand the scope of medical responsibilities assigned to nursing staff, granting them competences that had previously been reserved exclusively for physicians. The reform is intended to improve efficiency within the health system, alleviate pressure on doctors, and recognize the professional expertise of nurses. By broadening their authority, policymakers aim to strengthen patient care and enhance the overall resilience of the healthcare sector.