FPÖ agrees: Higher health insurance contributions for pensioners!

FPÖ agrees: Higher health insurance contributions for pensioners!

Österreich, Land - On June 1, 2025, the FPÖ approved the increase in health insurance contributions from pensioners. This measure is part of the austerity measures that were discussed during the government negotiations between the FPÖ and the People's Party (ÖVP). The Secretary General of the People's Party, Nico Marchetti, critically commented on the FPÖ and its political strategic considerations. He emphasized that the FPÖ may have other interests about the well -being of the pensioners and thus promote division instead of responsibility, which impairs the perception of the truth. [OTS] (https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250601_ots0029/marchetti-fpoe-haung-er-Krankenversicherungs-Sicherungs- von-pensionist-zu) reports that the discussion about the increase in the current political situation and the new government coalition is.

The planned increase is intended to raise health insurance contributions for pensioners: in the inside from currently 5.1 % to 6 %. This means an additional financial burden for pensioners who have already suffered from the austerity measures of recent years. Around 270 million euros are currently missing in budget planning, which increases the need for further savings. A merger of the health insurance companies has led to a deficit of 1.7 billion euros. President Peter Kostelka from the Pensioners' Association criticized that it was particularly unjust to pass additional stress onto the shoulders of the pensioners, while at the same time, the government announces savings in other areas. Contrast emphasizes that instead of the promised investments in health care, 270 million euros may be taken by increasing the contributions.

Financial effects on pensioners

The consequences of the increase are clearly noticeable for the pensioners. An example illustrates the burden: With a monthly gross salary of 1,000 euros, a net 2 euros more will be deducted, at 2,000 euros it is already 11 euros, and with an income of EUR 3,500, 19 euros are also due. This increase has already been reported to the EU Commission, but has not yet been officially decided. [Unions Online] (https://brblog.gägen-online.at/ueber45/05/04/was-hat-die- government-be-en-pensions-vor/) informs that these measures are also available in the framework of more extensive budget consolidation plans, which should further reduce the pension expenses.

Another aspect of the reforms concerns the improvement of nursing professions and the introduction of a partial board. These measures could help keep older workers in the labor market and at the same time reduce pressure on the pension system. However, the tense financial circumstances require deeper reforms and investments in health care, which are to be financed by increasing the contributions.

The discussion about the increase in health insurance contributions is therefore not only a financial challenge for many pensioners, but also a reflection of current political and economic conditions in Austria. The responsibility of the political actors and the associated decisions will continue to be decisive for the well -being of the pensioners.