The GKV Contribution Rate Stabilization Act (GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz) will change the rules for people with statutory health insurance. For many of them, this will mean higher costs. With this reform, the federal government aims to stabilize the financial basis of the statutory health insurance system and limit increases in health insurance contributions. Most of the provisions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Changes to family insurance are planned from January 1, 2028.
Higher Copayments for Medications
In the future, people with statutory health insurance will have to pay higher copayments for prescription medications. Currently, the copayment is generally ten percent of the medication’s price, with a minimum of five euros and a maximum of ten euros. Starting in 2027, the minimum and maximum amounts are set to increase by 50 percent. Insured people will then pay at least 7.50 euros and no more than 15 euros per medication. The copayment may still not be higher than the price of the medication itself.
The existing limits on out-of-pocket costs and exemption options will remain in place. In principle, copayments within a calendar year may not exceed two percent of annual gross income. For people with severe chronic illnesses, the limit will remain at one percent. Anyone who has reached this limit can apply to their health insurance provider for an exemption from further copayments.
Family Insurance for Spouses to Be Restricted
Non-contributory family insurance will also change. Spouses and registered civil partners with no income of their own, or only a low income, can currently be insured free of charge through a family member with statutory health insurance under certain conditions.
Starting in 2028, this non-contributory family insurance for spouses and registered civil partners will remain fully available only in certain cases. This applies, among other things, if children who have not yet turned twelve live in the household, or if children with a disability live there and cannot support themselves. Exceptions are also planned if the insured person is caring for relatives who need long-term care, if the co-insured partner is fully unable to work, or if the partner has reached the standard retirement age.
In all other cases, the primary insured member will have to pay an additional contribution for the spouse or registered civil partner who was previously insured without paying contributions. This surcharge amounts to 2.5 percent of the insured member’s income that is subject to contributions. It is to be calculated automatically and withheld, for example, by the employer or the pension insurance fund. Non-contributory family insurance for children remains unchanged.
Homeopathy Will No Longer Be Covered
Homeopathic and anthroposophic treatments and medications will no longer be covered. The reason cited is the lack of scientific evidence for their effectiveness.
Lower Reimbursement for Dental Prosthetics
The fixed subsidy for standard dental prosthetic care is being reduced from 60 to 50 percent. Those who have attended preventive dental checkups for five years without interruption will receive 60 percent. Previously, this was 70 percent. After ten years of such checkups without interruption, the reimbursement will be 65 percent instead of the previous 75 percent. Insured people with low incomes will continue to receive full reimbursement for standard dental prosthetic care.
High-Income Earners Will Pay More
The monthly contribution assessment ceiling will be raised by 300 euros in 2027. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, this will mean an additional burden of about 26 euros per month for high-income earners. The current ceiling is 5,812.50 euros per month. This means that contributions are calculated only on the part of a salary up to this amount. If someone earns more, no contributions are paid on the part of the salary above this ceiling.
In addition to insured people, health insurance funds, hospitals, medical practices, pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers are also expected to contribute to the financial stabilization of the statutory health insurance system.
Sources and further information:
Federal Ministry of Health:
https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/guv-21-lp/gkv-beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz-faq
German Bundestag:
https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2026/kw28-de-gkv-1184352
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/gesundheitsreform-sparpaket-aenderungen-100.html
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