BERLIN (MNI) – The Bundesbank in its latest monthly report
published Monday said it expects Germany’s public health fund to post
solid surpluses both this year and next.
For the first three quarters of this year, the surplus of the
health system amounted to somewhat more than E1 billion, the central
bank said. For the full year, the Bundesbank expects a “marked” surplus.
Given that the statutory contribution to the public health system
— paid equally by employers and employees — will rise on January 1,
2011, to 15.5% of gross wages from 14.9%, the public health fund will
likely post a “significant” surplus next year as well, the Bundesbank
predicted.
The development of the public health insurance system is important
for Germany’s overall budget performance. The balances of the social
insurance funds, together with budgets for the federal, state and local
governments, make up the total public sector budget, against which
compliance with the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact is measured.
–Berlin bureau: +49-30-22 62 05 80; email: twidder@marketnews.com
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