Kassenärzte-Chef Andreas Gassen has called for the complete elimination of voluntary benefits offered by statutory health insurance funds in Germany, citing significant financial shortfalls within the system. Gassen argues that "nice to have" services, such as subsidies for health courses, dental cleanings, and homeopathic treatments, should be the first to be cut when funds are insufficient for the core benefit catalog. He criticizes health insurance providers for a perceived double standard, wanting to reduce payments for statutorily mandated services while simultaneously spending substantial amounts on attractive, non-essential offerings. Gassen estimates that eliminating these voluntary benefits could save nearly one billion euros annually, a move he believes is necessary as the government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, prepares a multi-billion euro austerity package for the summer to address the GKV's deficits.