Stress on married couples: “We feel under pressure”

The federal government’s plans for spousal splitting and co-insurance would burden many married people. ZEIT readers report what consequences that would have for them.

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Families and married couples without children could soon be financially burdened if the Union and SPD’s plans are implemented. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken is planning to restrict free co-insurance in statutory health insurance. Many of those affected also fear a reform of spousal splitting, which would lead to financial losses. The pressure on families and married couples without children is increasing, as the personal stories of those affected make clear. The planned reforms could have an existential impact and worsen the financial situation of many households.

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If the Union and the SPD push through their plans, things will soon become more expensive for some families and married couples without children. Up to now, married people who work little or not at all have been able to take out statutory health insurance through their partner free of charge. In the future, this should only be possible for those who have small children, care for relatives or are already retired.

This is what a draft law by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) provides. In this way she wants to save money in the system – but it puts a strain on some people who depend on it. This is shown by a call from ZEITto which hundreds of readers have responded.