Germany debates ethical limits of costly treatments for elderly patients

Should age determine access to life-saving drugs? A top German health official challenges assumptions about treatment limits—and the emotional toll on doctors.

, and Administrator

2026 January 3 . 4:04 PM

1 min read

In the picture we can see inside view of the hospital with beds and patients on it and between the... — In the picture we can see inside view of the hospital with beds and patients on it and between the beds we can see saline bottles to the stand and a woman standing wearing a bag near the patient.

Germany debates ethical limits of costly treatments for elderly patients

A debate over the limits of medical treatment for the most severely ill has been reignited in Germany. Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, called for a careful discussion on the issue. His comments follow remarks by CDU politician Hendrik Streeck about allocating expensive medications to elderly patients.

Gassen stressed that decisions on treatment should not focus only on cost or a patient’s age. Instead, he argued that patients and their doctors should work together to determine the best course of action. He also warned against allowing the commercialisation of end-of-life care.

The debate comes after Streeck, a virologist and CDU health policy expert, questioned whether costly drugs should be given to very elderly patients. Gassen acknowledged that while people are living longer, they are not necessarily spending more years in poor health. He also highlighted the emotional challenge doctors face when they can no longer help a patient.

Gassen questioned the assumption that every available medical option must always be used, even if it may not benefit the patient. However, he made clear that he does not believe new laws are needed. Instead, he called for open and sensitive discussions within society.

The discussion centres on how to balance medical possibilities with patient well-being. Gassen’s remarks suggest a shift toward more thoughtful decision-making in end-of-life care. For now, no legal changes are proposed, but the topic remains a point of public debate.