Health Minister Warken Proposes Sweeping Insurance and Sugar Tax Reforms

In this context, Health Minister Warken expressed openness to new regulations, including potential rules on the size of health insurance funds. She suggested it would be worth examining "whether there should be a minimum number of insured members required for health insurers." The issue is currently under further review, she noted: "This is a question the commission is now re-examining."

Addressing criticism that insurers contribute too little to savings in the healthcare system, the minister responded: "In our proposal, we have also placed obligations on health insurance providers." She added that she had "gone even further with the insurers than the commission had recommended."

Specifically, she pointed to cuts in spending: "We are capping administrative costs, limiting advertising expenses, and also restricting executive pay for board members and senior managers."

On the topic of a tax on sugary drinks, Warken indicated that the discussion is not yet settled. "This was a proposal from the commission, and as health minister, I can only support measures that encourage healthier lifestyles and follow the path other countries have taken—such as addressing sugar consumption," she told Bild am Sonntag. "I believe this could be a positive step in prevention. However, there is still a need for further discussion on sugar policy within the federal government."