German Health Minister Nina Warken has defended her proposal to finish free health insurance for non-caregiving spouses as „lived women’s policy,“ arguing it promotes independence and pension security although aiming to stabilize the statutory health insurance system facing a projected 15.3 billion euro deficit.
The reform, which would require spouses not raising children or providing care to pay a 3.5 percent contribution supplement starting in 2028, is expected to generate 19.6 billion euros in savings next year alone, according to the minister’s comprehensive package presented on Thursday.
Warken emphasized the change is not solely about fairness or increased revenue, stating that the current system discourages workforce participation: „The contribution-free insurance of spouses who neither raise children nor care for relatives is also an employment barrier.“
How the reform targets specific groups while protecting others
Under the new rules, free coverage would continue for children, parents of children under seven, parents of disabled children, those caring for dependent relatives, and individuals at standard retirement age.
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What the Midi-Job threshold means for low-hour workers
Warken noted that earning just 603 euros monthly in a so-called Midi-Job would already develop someone independently insured under current rules, achievable at today’s minimum wage with only eleven hours of work per week.
Coalition partners express deep reservations about the approach
Why the CSU demands federal funding for Bürgergeld recipients
Where savings are expected to arrive from beyond contribution changes
What income level triggers the new contribution requirement for spouses?
The reform applies to spouses currently covered for free who do not meet the criteria for continued exemption, such as raising children or providing care, regardless of their specific income level.
How much could households potentially pay extra annually under the 3.5 percent supplement?
For a spouse earning the average German wage of approximately 4,100 euros monthly, the supplement would amount to about 143.50 euros per month, or 1,722 euros yearly.
