Bundestag and Bundesrat Approve Controversial Health Insurance Savings Package
The Bundestag first voted in favour of a savings package for the statutory health insurance. The package provides for expenditure brakes and higher co‑payments in order to avoid contribution increases.
After approval by the lower house, the Bundesrat has also given its consent. Consequently the federal legislative process is completed.
The measure is controversial, as critics warn that higher co‑payments could place a particular burden on chronically ill people and those on low incomes.
Supporters argue that the expenditure brakes are necessary to ensure the long‑term financial stability of the GKV and to prevent contribution shocks.