Warken seeks solution for annual prescriptions for chronically ill - Germany's bold plan to slash doctor visits for chronic patients by 2025

German Health Minister Nina Warken is pushing for a major change in how chronic illness prescriptions are handled. Currently, patients must renew their prescriptions every three months, but a new system could allow annual renewals instead. The move aims to cut unnecessary doctor visits and reduce waiting times for those with stable, long-term conditions.

The legal foundation for this reform was set in early 2025 by the previous traffic-light coalition government. Under the plan, doctors would receive a flat fee for managing patients with mild chronic conditions, eliminating the need for quarterly check-ups purely for billing purposes. Physicians could claim this fee for up to a year of care, with final regulations expected by 31 August 2025.

The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV) supports the idea, seeing it as a practical option for certain chronic patients. Medical associations and health insurers have also backed the reform in principle. However, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) warns that putting the system into practice will be complicated.

Warken has made it clear that delays will not be tolerated. She insists the change will not increase costs for insurers and has threatened regulatory action if progress stalls. A KBV spokesperson now suggests an agreement could be reached as early as this spring.

If implemented, the reform would mark a significant shift from the current three-month renewal cycle. Patients with stable chronic conditions would benefit from fewer mandatory visits, while doctors could focus on more critical cases. The final decision on funding and regulations is expected by the end of August 2025.