German Pharmacy Association Raises Concerns Over Threats to Pharmacy Stability

The German Federal Union of Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) has issued a warning regarding potential irreversible consequences for the country's pharmacy sector as a result of proposed changes to statutory health insurance contributions. The proposed legislation, aimed at stabilizing contribution rates within the statutory health insurance (GKV) system, includes cost-saving measures that are expected to impact pharmacies disproportionately.

According to the ABDA, the federal government's plan seeks to reduce expenditure within the GKV system by over 16 billion euros. One of the significant components of the proposal is an increase in the mandatory rebate, known as the 'Kassenabschlag,' that pharmacies must grant to health insurers. This rebate is set to rise from 1.77 euros to 2.07 euros per prescription package, representing an annual net reduction in pharmacy revenues by approximately 170 million euros.

Industry representatives argue that this increase will directly affect the operating income of pharmacies, potentially resulting in a notable decline in the number of pharmacy locations across Germany. Such a reduction may lead to decreased access to pharmaceutical services for patients, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

The ABDA emphasizes the need for at least a temporary limitation of the increased rebate, suggesting that the new rate should be time-bound. Furthermore, the association calls for the rebate to be specified as a net amount to prevent additional burdens arising from value-added tax implications.

Another critical point raised by the ABDA is the government's previous commitment, outlined in the coalition agreement, to increase the fixed remuneration per prescription (Apothekenfixum) to 9.50 euros. Despite this promise, the current legislative proposal does not address the issue of pharmacy remuneration. The association points out that pharmacies have already contributed significantly to savings in the healthcare system through delayed adjustments to their compensation, amounting to billions of euros.

ABDA representatives stress that the credibility of the government is at stake if political promises to strengthen pharmacies remain unfulfilled while concrete financial reductions are implemented through legislation. The association warns that the continued lack of support, combined with new financial constraints, could inflict lasting damage on the pharmacy sector, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the supply of medicines throughout Germany.

In summary, the ABDA is advocating for immediate action to provide pharmacies with planning security by implementing the agreed-upon increase in fixed remuneration and reconsidering the extent and duration of the planned rebate hike. The association underscores the importance of a stable and adequately funded pharmacy network to maintain high standards of pharmaceutical care and patient access to essential medicines.