Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a “historic” health care reform package aimed at curbing rising health insurance premiums in Germany, which was approved by his Cabinet. The draft law, still pending approval from the Bundestag, seeks to address significant financial deficits in state health insurers, projected to worsen from €15.3 billion in 2027 to €40.4 billion by 2030. Key elements include the introduction of a sugar tax, increased costs for prescription medications, shifts in funding for unemployment health care, a new premium for non-working domestic partners, and cuts in coverage for cannabis and homeopathy. While Merz hailed the reform as a significant welfare improvement, critics argue it predominantly represents austerity measures impacting insured individuals.
Disclaimer: This summary is written by AI, which can make mistakes. Please follow up on any news information from additional sources.
Link to original article source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-merz-hails-historic-health-care-reform/a-76984736
