Concerns Over Redistribution of Prescription Revenues

On March 1, the Health Care Strengthening Act (GVSG), initiated by former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, came into effect. This legislation represents one of the few initiatives that the SPD, Greens, and FDP were able to agree upon following the collapse of the traffic light coalition. The GVSG primarily aims to improve medical care, notably by removing budget caps on primary care services.

However, a provision within the GVSG has indirect implications for pharmacies. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, medical practices will be able to bill for a supply flat rate covering up to four quarters. Patients with chronic illnesses who do not require intensive care will no longer need to visit their doctors every quarter for billing purposes. This change is intended to alleviate the strain on often overcrowded medical practices.

While this development may ease the burden on patients, it could also lead to significant shifts within the pharmacy landscape. Many chronically ill patients typically collect their medications immediately following a doctor's appointment and after receiving a prescription. In the future, however, they will only need to visit the practice once a year, opting to obtain their medication from a pharmacy closer to their residence.

This shift is likely to result in a redistribution of prescription revenues, benefitting certain pharmacies at the expense of others. Pharmacies located near medical practices may experience a decline in customer footfall, while online pharmaceutical services may increasingly target chronic patients by offering regular and reliable delivery options.

The specifics of this new regulation, including the amount of the flat rate, are currently under discussion by the evaluation committee, which includes representatives from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds. A consensus must be reached by August 31.