Saarland's Prime Minister Rehlinger is calling for a cap on the personal contribution for nursing home places

The Saarland Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger has spoken out in favor of capping the personal contribution to the costs of a place in a nursing home. “Reforms must improve people’s lives,” said the SPD politician to the Funke media group. "With the care reform, we should limit the costs of inpatient care for those affected."

Rehlinger advocated capping the personal contribution for those in need of care at 1,500 euros. This can be financed within the insurance system and significantly relieves the burden on those in need of care and their relatives. “That would be a point that could be used to aggressively promote an overall package,” said Rehlinger.

An evaluation by the Association of Substitute Insurance Funds recently showed that as of July 1st, a nationwide average of 3,364 euros per month had to be paid out of one's own pocket in the first year in the home. That is 119 euros more per month than at the beginning of the year and 256 euros more than on July 1, 2025.

Coalition is working on reform

The black-red coalition at the federal level is working on reforming nursing care insurance. Unlike health insurance, however, this only covers part of the costs. Those in need of care receive benefits from the nursing care insurance fund, but have to pay their own contribution. A bill presented by the former Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) provides for spending curbs and additional revenue in order to cover billions in gaps and avoid general contribution increases.