Hendrik Streeck emphasizes that healthcare should not be treated as an all-inclusive state service, and advocates for a moderate, socially acceptable co-payment system to reduce unnecessary doctor visits and lower costs.

Germany's statutory health insurance faced a deficit of over six billion euros in 2024, with reserves covering just over two days of care, and contribution rates exceeding 17%, raising concerns about financial stability.

Without decisive action, contribution rates could surpass 20%, prompting warnings against the 'full coverage' mentality and the expectation of unlimited high-tech diagnostics for minor ailments.

Streeck criticizes the high frequency of doctor visits in Germany, averaging ten times per year per person, which he considers excessive and burdensome for the healthcare system, especially compared to countries like Denmark and France.

He calls for clear medical guidelines to distinguish necessary treatments from unnecessary ones, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to those in urgent need.

The government has appointed a commission of ten scientists to propose measures for stabilizing healthcare finances, with work beginning on September 25, 2025, and initial recommendations expected in 2026.

Streeck advocates for increased patient self-beteiligung (co-payments) as a way to reduce unnecessary medical visits and help lower healthcare costs in Germany.

He warns that without measures, contribution rates could exceed 20%, further threatening the system's financial stability.

Streeck warns against the 'unsolidarische Vollkasko-Mentalität' and urges the public to avoid expecting full high-tech diagnostics for minor illnesses, especially in emergency rooms, to conserve resources.

He suggests that higher financial contributions for minor doctor visits could discourage unnecessary consultations without restricting essential services.

Streeck emphasizes that healthcare should promote prevention and healthier lifestyles, citing international comparisons where Germans visit doctors more frequently than necessary.

The goal is to establish guidelines that prevent overuse of healthcare resources while ensuring necessary medical services are accessible to those in urgent need.