Rising Costs for Medications and Hospital Stays

German Social Association slams proposed healthcare co-payment hikes as unfair

Düsseldorf – The North Rhine-Westphalia branch of the German Social Association (VdK NRW) has sharply criticized plans to increase co-payments for prescription medications and hospital stays. "The proposed hikes—from €5–10 to €7.50–15—represent an unreasonable burden on patients, especially older adults, retirees, and those with chronic illnesses who often rely on multiple daily medications," said the association's president, Horst Vöge.

The organization warns of deepening social inequality in healthcare. Many are already struggling under the weight of rising living costs, and additional out-of-pocket expenses risk making essential medical care dependent on financial means. "This is the wrong approach," Vöge emphasized. "Health must not become a matter of affordability. There is a real danger that people will skip vital medications due to cost, putting their health at risk." The VdK NRW is calling on the federal government to immediately abandon these plans and instead ensure high-quality care without further straining insured individuals.

From the association's perspective, the state must first fulfill its obligations by fully and immediately covering contributions for citizens receiving basic welfare benefits. "We're talking about €12 billion that has so far been paid by insured individuals—92 percent of the population," Vöge noted.