“Abolishing free co-insurance for spouses would be out of the question for the CSU,” said Söder the “Augsburger Allgemeine” (Wednesday edition). “That would be a completely wrong signal to the people in our country,” warned Söder. “It is completely absurd to put additional strain on our families in these challenging times,” he emphasized.

Söder “What we need is a comprehensive reform package”

The CSU chairman called for the reform to focus on the sharp increase in health spending. “Instead of generating minimal additional income at the expense of the families, the expenses of the coffers must be reduced,” emphasized Söder. “What we need is a comprehensive reform package that does not one-sidedly disadvantage individual groups in our society,” he added.

The “Handelsblatt”, citing coalition circles, had previously reported on alleged considerations in the federal government to abolish free co-insurance for non-working spouses. Anyone who was previously insured free of charge should pay a rate of 225 euros per month Health and nursing care insurance pay, it was said. There should only be exceptions for spouses with preschool children or relatives in need of care. Children would continue to be insured free of charge.

Green health expert Janosch Dahmen also called for cuts. “The healthcare system has a spending problem,” he told the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. It now costs society more than a billion euros per day. “The big levers for savings lie in hospitals, medicines, practices and prevention,” emphasized Dahmen. “We have to reduce the extent of excess and incorrect care in Germany and merge clinic locations,” demanded. According to Dahmen, the reform must also address the costs of patent-protected medicines, which are far too high in Germany compared to international standards.

At the same time, the Green politician called for higher taxes on sugar, alcohol and tobacco. “It would only be fair if companies that make large profits from these products share more of the costs through taxes,” said Dahmen. “Fewer people would become so sick, the additional income would help make health insurance cheaper for companies and contributors,” he added.