Federal authorities at the Internal Revenue Service claim an overabundance of funds allocated towards health insurance is a result of state-level mismanagement.

The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), one of Germany's largest health insurance providers, has taken an offensive stance against the growing crisis in the health insurance system. In a recent statement, TK's CEO, Jens Baas, expressed his concerns about the increasing gap between income and expenditure in the system, which is projected to grow annually by 6 to 8 billion euros.

The Federal Audit Office's latest report, confirming the dire financial situation of statutory health insurance, has been welcomed by Baas. However, he views the report as a short-term solution, providing only a chance for health insurance funds to catch their breath.

Baas emphasizes the immediate need for action from the federal government to stop the cost spiral in the health insurance system. He particularly highlights the area of pharmaceuticals, which could potentially save around three billion euros in the short term.

In response, TK has presented a new billion-saving plan with 10 points to address the crisis. The plan focuses on measures such as rationalising hospital care, optimising outpatient services, and implementing digital solutions to streamline processes.

The financial situation of the health insurance system is increasingly burdening policyholders, employers, and employees, as indicated in the report. The increase in the average additional contribution rate for policyholders, due to the deficit, is projected to be 0.3 percentage points per year. By 2025, the contributions of other social security systems are expected to increase by almost 1.5 percentage points to 42.3 percent.

Baas calls for fundamental reforms for long-term stabilization of the healthcare system. He criticises the government for inactivity, as they have only planned to set up an expert commission and postponed necessary steps. The expert group, specifically established to find solutions for the deficit, is called the "Expertengruppe."

The TK's bold approach to addressing the crisis has not gone unnoticed. Baas's calls for immediate action and fundamental reforms have sparked a much-needed conversation about the future of Germany's health insurance system. As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the warnings and take decisive action to secure the future of statutory health insurance.