Germany’s lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, is poised to vote on a comprehensive package of cost-cutting measures aimed at the nation’s public health care system. The proposed legislation, which is slated to take effect from the 2027 budget, introduces significant changes across the medical sector, including impacts on hospitals, doctors’ practices, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Key provisions within the bill include the implementation of higher co-payments for prescription medications. Additionally, the proposal introduces stricter regulations concerning the free co-insurance of spouses under Germany’s statutory health insurance framework. These measures have already drawn criticism, triggering protests by health care professionals across the country.
Attempts to delay the vote by asking the country’s Constitutional Court to intervene through emergency applications, arguing parliament did not have enough time to scrutinize some last-minute changes made to the bill, was rejected. While the bill is widely expected to secure passage in the Bundestag, it may face further hurdles as it moves to the Bundesrat, Germany’s upper house. Among the proposals is a cost-cutting package for the country’s public health care.
In separate developments, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is scheduled to hold a meeting in Berlin with his Slovenian counterpart, Tone Kajzer. The discussions between the two officials are expected to center on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
