Söder announces Bavaria's approval of health reform in the Bundesrat

Söder defended the new regulation as "eine gute Sache" and expressed confidence that the return to personal doctor visits would work smoothly. "Das hat vorher funktioniert. Das wird jetzt auch funktionieren," he said with regard to concerns from family doctors whose practices could be additionally burdened by the rush.

Further components of the Contribution Stabilization Act

In addition to the change in sick notes, the so-called Contribution Stabilization Act provides for further cuts: certain special remuneration for doctors will be eliminated, the rules on hospital remuneration will be changed, higher discounts from pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies on drug prices will be mandated, and higher co-payments from insured persons for medications and hospital stays will be established. In addition, the contribution-free co-insurance of family members will be restricted and a partial sick note will be introduced.

Chancellor Merz once again advocated for the reform plans. Finance Minister Klingbeil also defended the package with the remark: "Ihr müsst euch nicht krank zum Arzt schleppen." CDU politician Spahn also justified the certificate requirement and said that in case of doubt, people should "eher arbeiten."

Criticism from doctors, economic researchers and the CDU workers' wing

Söder also warned of the consequences of a halt: "Die Kosten explodieren sonst." The reform is intended to stabilize the finances of the statutory health insurance funds and avoid contribution increases. The statutory health insurance funds had long identified extended absences as the biggest cost driver.

Representatives of the medical profession, however, warned of a rush on already overburdened practices caused by the new rules. The CDU workers' wing also called for a review of the plans and pointed to "Vor allem Problem mit Langzeitkranken." The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) pointed out that the new rules could increase the sick rate.

Bundestag, Bundesrat and Federal Constitutional Court

Söder called on the Bundestag and Bundesrat to pass the reform package now: "Wir sollten es jetzt beschließen." The states had reportedly been able to push through "massive Nachbesserungen" in the course of intensive deliberations, "insbesondere für die Krankenhäuser." The Federal Constitutional Court rejected two urgent applications against the Bundestag vote on Friday.

The law is not a consent law, but the Bundesrat could refer it to the Mediation Committee and thereby delay it. In order for the reform package to be placed on the Bundesrat's agenda on the same day, the states would have to agree to a shortening of the deadline – it was initially unclear whether this would succeed. The black-red coalition wants to complete the parliamentary procedure before the summer break.