Federal government agrees on reform of nursing care insurance
Cabinet approves stabilization package and expert commission
Quick Look
- After long negotiations, the federal government has agreed on a reform of long-term care insurance.
- A stabilization package includes, among other things, a higher contribution surcharge for those without children and savings in benefit surcharges.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Statutory nursing care insurance is threatened with a deficit of billions this year, which is why savings and reforms were discussed.
After long negotiations, the federal government has agreed on a reform of long-term care insurance. The cabinet decided on a stabilization package, as DIE ZEIT learned from government circles. Next week it will be decided to set up a commission of experts for structural reform. The commission should develop models for financial equalization between private and statutory nursing care insurance - a demand from the SPD.
From January 1st, the premium surcharge for childless members of the nursing care insurance will increase, as the Federal Ministry of Health announced. It is to be increased by 0.3 points to 0.9 percent.
The Union and the SPD had struggled until the end to reach an agreement. The SPD had rejected a “pure austerity package” and threatened a blockade. In addition to financial equalization, the Social Democrats had also called for a fixed limit for personal contributions to care in the home.
Nursing care insurance threatens billions in deficit
Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) wants to achieve savings in several areas, as statutory nursing care insurance is threatened with a billion-dollar deficit this year. Above all, the planned law is intended to prevent increasing contributions.
The basis for Linnemann's plans is a draft by his predecessor, Chancellor Nina Warken (CDU). Accordingly, the benefit surcharges for residents of nursing homes introduced in 2022 should be extended in order to relieve the burden on nursing care funds by 2.6 billion euros in the coming year. The proposed savings measures also include stricter classification of care levels and restrictions on free co-insurance for spouses.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increase in the contribution surcharge for childless members by 0.3 points to 0.9 percent from January 1st
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific recommendations will the expert commission develop?
- How much are those in need of care burdened by the measures?
