The statutory health insurance companies (GKV) recorded a plus in the first three quarters of this year. By the end of September, the 97 health insurance funds had a surplus of 195.3 million euros, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Health in Berlin.
Income of 215.6 billion was therefore offset by expenditure of 215.4 billion euros. The financial reserves were 10.2 billion euros. This corresponded to 0.4 monthly expenses and thus twice the statutory minimum reserve.
However, a billion deficit is expected for the new year. Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) said that a law that came into force in mid-November would stabilize the finances of the funds and protect contributors from high increases in contributions. The high level and quality of care was maintained.
The financial injection decided by the Bundestag also includes an increase in the average additional contribution by 0.3 points. The total contribution would thus rise to an average of 16.2 percent. However, the individual funds themselves determine the respective additional contribution for their members; they can deviate from the average value.
The regulations are intended to compensate for a minus of 17 billion euros expected for 2023. This includes reducing financial reserves at the cash registers. The federal government is increasing its usual subsidy of 14.5 billion euros. Drug manufacturers and pharmacies are also used with higher discounts.
