Debate Continues Over Proposed Increase to Pharmacy Remuneration
The discussion surrounding an increase in the fixed dispensing fee for pharmacies in Germany remains unresolved, despite being a central promise in the coalition agreement. While the governing coalition previously indicated plans to raise the fixed dispensing fee for prescription medicines from 8.35 euros to 9.50 euros per package, concrete legislation to implement this commitment has yet to materialize.
During the recent German Pharmacists' Day in Düsseldorf, the Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, stated that the proposed increase would not move forward at this time due to limited financial resources within the statutory health insurance system. The minister emphasized that, although the current budget situation prevents an immediate change, the intention to raise the pharmacy remuneration remains on the table for future consideration. She reiterated the government's commitment to the increase, noting that it is postponed rather than abandoned, but pointed to the ongoing fiscal challenges faced by the healthcare system.
The background to this debate includes recently adopted cost-saving measures aimed at stabilizing the finances of statutory health insurers. The government expects that an expert commission on healthcare reform will identify further strategies to streamline the system and generate savings. Until these conditions are met, the financial environment necessary to support an increase in pharmacy fees is not expected to be present.
Stakeholders across the sector continue to monitor developments closely. Representatives from pharmacy associations express hope that once the health insurance funds' fiscal outlook improves as a result of current and planned reforms, the promised adjustment to the fixed dispensing fee will be realized. Many in the pharmacy sector view this increase as essential for sustaining the financial viability of community pharmacies, which have experienced rising operational costs and staffing challenges in recent years.
Parliamentary actors are also actively involved in the ongoing negotiations. The health spokesperson for the parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Simone Borchardt, has stated that her party remains committed to advocating for the inclusion of the fixed dispensing fee increase in any upcoming legislative reforms affecting pharmacies. She has signaled that the CDU will seek to negotiate the details of the proposed reforms, emphasizing the importance of addressing pharmacy remuneration as part of the broader legislative process.
Despite these assurances and ongoing discussions, the situation remains unchanged for now. The financial pressures on the healthcare system--driven by demographic trends, rising expenditures, and the need for cost containment--continue to delay the implementation of the fixed fee increase. The government maintains that the adjustment will be prioritized once the fiscal framework allows, but no specific timeline has been provided.
Industry observers note that the ongoing uncertainty creates challenges for pharmacy operators, who rely on predictable remuneration to ensure stable operations and continued patient care. Many are calling for greater clarity and concrete action to fulfill the commitments made in the coalition agreement, highlighting the role of pharmacies in providing essential healthcare services throughout Germany.
As legislative negotiations continue and the expert commission conducts its review of potential efficiencies in the healthcare system, stakeholders await further developments. The issue of pharmacy remuneration is expected to remain a prominent topic in health policy debates in the coming months, with attention focused on when and how the promised increase to the fixed dispensing fee will finally be implemented.