The left wants to relieve 85% of households of the burden of health insurance premiums

Health insurance premiums are expected to rise again in 2026, by 4 to 5 percent to an average of around CHF 400 per month. For the Socialist Party, this is too much. The party is launching a new popular initiative in which 85 percent of Swiss households would see their premiums reduced, while the wealthiest 15 percent would pay more. "For many, this is no longer sustainable. We need to move away from these uniform premiums and toward a system of solidarity," Socialist Party co-president Mattea Meyer told Blick DE.

The proposed mechanism is simple. Middle-income households would receive a discount of around 100 francs per month. Those who opt for a cheaper model would see their premiums drop further, while those with the highest incomes would have to pay a supplement, potentially increasing their bill to 600 or even 800 francs. Even the super-rich, like UBS boss Sergio Ermotti, would not be spared: "It wouldn't be hundreds of thousands of francs more, but perhaps 2,500 to 3,000 francs," Meyer emphasizes. A maximum limit has yet to be set.

Families are among the big winners of the project. Children under 18 would be completely exempt from the obligation to pay a premium. The objective is clear: 85% of households should benefit from a discount financed by the wealthiest 15%, based on the AVS model.

Costs would remain shared: the Confederation would continue to cover 7.5% of basic insurance costs. The cantons would remain responsible for subsidies and would have to ensure that no insured person was disadvantaged. Finally, the discount could never exceed the amount of the premium due. If accepted, the initiative would have to be implemented within two years. During this period, premiums would be capped, and the Confederation would compensate for any additional costs.

The final text will be adopted at the party congress on October 25 in Sursee. The start of the signature collection is planned for early 2026.