Germany's Health Minister Karl Lauterbach's proposed hospital reform is under discussion in the Bundestag, sparking debate over its financial implications.

The reform, estimated to cost €50 billion, aims to modernize the hospital landscape with more specialization and reduced bureaucracy.

Carola Reimann, head of the AOK Federal Association, argues that private insurers should share the financial burden, as nearly 10% of hospital treatments involve privately insured patients.

Reimann suggests adding surcharges to private insurance bills to ensure fairness, a method proven effective in other sectors.

The reform's funding is currently expected to be split between federal states and statutory health insurers, potentially leading to increased premiums for the latter.

However, the statutory health insurers' association deems this approach unconstitutional, advocating for the reform to be fully funded by tax revenues.

The Bundestag is set to hold a public expert hearing on the matter, amidst ongoing protests.