As the new year approaches, millions of employees and retirees in Germany are bracing for increased supplemental health insurance contributions, which may exceed expectations. The head of the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance, Doris Pfeiffer, has warned that many insurers will surpass the government’s planned average increase of 2.5%. The situation is exacerbated by depleted reserves and rising healthcare costs, leading to historical highs in contributions. Critics, including AOK Federal Association Chair Carola Reimann, urge the government to assume responsibility for non-insurance related costs.