Head of National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Suggests Ending Optional Health Insurance BenefitsMon 23rd Feb, 2026The leader of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), Andreas Gassen, has proposed that optional, non-mandatory benefits offered by statutory health insurance funds should be eliminated as a primary measure to address the financial challenges faced by the healthcare system. The suggestion comes amid concerns over the mounting deficit in the statutory health insurance system (GKV), which is projected to exceed ten billion euros in the current year. Similarly, the Techniker Krankenkasse, one of Germany's largest statutory health insurance providers, voiced opposition to cutting voluntary benefits. The ministry noted that Gassen's suggestion is one of several currently under consideration as part of efforts to stabilize statutory health insurance finances. Despite the divergent perspectives, the statutory health insurance funds retain the legal authority to offer additional voluntary benefits to their members.

Source: The Munich Eye February 23, 2026 23:54 UTC