Technicians expect massive increases in contributions to statutory health insurance
This results in an average contribution of nearly 17 percent, said Baas. "That was considered a completely absurd figure just a few years ago." However, the increase will continue: "We are heading unchecked towards a contribution rate of 20 percent by the end of the decade - if there are no countermeasures."
The general contribution to statutory health insurance is currently 14.6 percent of income. On top of that, there is the additional contribution, which varies depending on the insurer and is currently averaging 1.7 percent this year, according to the Federal Ministry of Health.
The head of Germany's largest health insurance company, TK, blamed Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) for the rising costs. Baas called on the minister to ensure the financial stability of the health insurance funds.
"The government cannot always just pass laws that lead to higher costs," said the TK chief. "It's finally time to address how we can control the rising costs."
The TK chief particularly warned about the rising costs of medication. "The prices for new drugs are skyrocketing," he said. The costs for new gene therapies are now in the millions per treatment. "If this trend continues, we won't be able to afford good medication. That must not happen."
Baas called for a reform of the price negotiations between the health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry. He said prices should be based on actual research and manufacturing costs. Japan is going this route, and it's planned in the USA that manufacturers must disclose these costs. "Pharmaceutical companies should make good money from innovative therapies," said Baas. "But the prices must be fair and affordable."
The increase in contributions to health insurance, as mentioned by Baas, includes both the general contribution of 14.6% and the additional variable contribution, which has averaged 1.7% this year. With these ongoing increases, the contribution rate is projected to reach 20% by the end of the decade without any countermeasures.
