German insurers warn of longer wait times for doctor appointments
Health insurers say budget cuts will cut 50 million appointments, leading to longer waits for patients.
Key facts
- KBV chief Andreas Gassen said 50 million appointments were removed by the government.
- Budget cuts are expected to increase wait times for patients.
- Planned fixed appointment quotas may worsen the situation.
- Bundestag approved a €15 billion savings package for insurers in 2027.
KBV chief Andreas Gassen warned that patients will face longer wait times from next year. He said the German government has cut 50 million appointments. The cuts were part of a savings package for insurers.
Gassen said the cuts are intended to relieve insurers by about €15 billion in 2027. He said the cuts will reduce appointments and worsen wait times. The savings package also includes higher co‑payments and cuts for providers.
The KBV criticized a new rule that would require practices to report a fixed number of free appointments. Gassen said that fixed quotas would block appointments and worsen the situation. He said the rule would not improve patient access.
Health Minister Carsten Linnemann said the financial situation of insurers remains tight. He said the government must solve structural problems and secure long‑term financing.
Context
Germany is cutting funding for outpatient care to reduce costs for statutory health insurance. The savings package will relieve insurers by €15 billion in 2027. The changes include higher co‑payments and cuts for providers.
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How this was made
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