The German statutory health insurance association (GKV) has rejected a proposal by Andreas Gassen, chairman of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), to cut voluntary benefits for insured individuals, which could save up to one billion euros. Gassen suggested reducing coverage for services like homeopathic remedies, health courses, and fitness trackers. However, GKV spokesperson Florian Lanz stated that eliminating these benefits does not address the fundamental issues within the healthcare system and distracts from necessary reforms in outpatient care, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals. The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) also criticized the proposal, suggesting alternative cost-saving measures such as increasing manufacturer discounts on new medications, ending double reimbursements for appointment scheduling, and abolishing the most-favored-nation clause in hospitals. Both the ruling CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups also oppose the elimination of voluntary benefits, arguing it is a superficial solution that diverts attention from core reform needs.