Die Welt1 hour agoPolitics2 min readGermany

The CDU Economic Council sharply criticizes parts of the care reform

Quick Look

The CDU Economic Council criticizes the increase in the contribution assessment limit for nursing care insurance as sending the wrong signal that endangers economic dynamism.
At the same time, he praises the focus on prevention and rehabilitation.
The SoVD criticizes the fact that central problems remain unsolved and that the federal government is not reimbursing the additional Corona costs of 5.2 billion euros.

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Why It Matters

The care reform was passed in the federal cabinet after days of struggle between the Union and the SPD and largely corresponds to the plans of Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU). The SPD's main demands were not taken into account and should be dealt with by a new commission.

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The CDU Economic Council has sharply criticized parts of the care reform passed by the cabinet. “Increasing the contribution assessment limit in long-term care insurance sends the wrong signal and endangers the economic dynamism of our country,” said the Secretary General of the CDU Economic Council, Wolfgang Steiger, to the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. Those who rely more and more on even higher contributions for service providers "put a strain on work and employment and thus ultimately weaken the foundation on which the financing of our welfare state is based."

However, the Economic Council sees positively that prevention and rehabilitation should play a stronger role in the future. "In particular, the principle of 'rehab before care' and earlier support for those in need of care and their relatives point in the right direction."

“Central problems remain unsolved”

For the German Social Association (SoVD), Linnemann's reform proposals do not go far enough. The association welcomes the fact that a new commission will deal with structural reforms. “At the same time, central problems remain unsolved,” says SoVD board chairwoman Michaela Engelmeier. She also criticized the fact that the federal government is not repaying the nursing care insurance company for the additional costs from the corona pandemic amounting to 5.2 billion euros.

After days of struggle between the Union and the SPD, the care reform was passed in the federal cabinet on Wednesday. For the most part, it remained as Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) had planned. However, the SPD's main demands were not taken into account - a new commission should take care of them.

Those insured may face higher contributions and cuts in benefits. The contribution surcharge for those without children is to rise by 0.3 points to 0.9 percent. A surcharge of 0.52 points is planned in the future for spouses who have previously been insured without paying contributions. In addition, the contribution assessment limit for nursing care insurance is to be increased by 300 euros per month.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The new commission will deal with the main demands for nursing care reform that were not taken into account by the SPD.
Very likely · Within months
The debate about reimbursement of the 5.2 billion euros in additional Corona costs to nursing care insurance continues.
Likely · Within weeks

Open Questions

How exactly should the new commission work out the structural reforms in nursing?
When is the 5.2 billion euros in additional Corona costs expected to be reimbursed to the nursing care insurance?
What specific impact will the planned contribution increases have on those without children and spouses?