Germany Faces Significant Deficit in Long-Term Care Insurance, Minister Warken Proposes Reforms
Germany Faces Significant Deficit in Long-Term Care Insurance, Minister Warken Proposes Reforms
Health Minister Warken announced projected deficits in Germany’s long-term care insurance, exceeding €7.5 billion in 2027 and €15 billion in 2028, necessitating urgent reforms.
Warken highlighted that expenditures have consistently outpaced revenues, jeopardizing the financial viability of care funds. The number of individuals classified as needing care has doubled since the introduction of a new assessment criterion in 2017, now exceeding six million, with new categories including children with ADHD. Proposed reforms include stricter eligibility criteria for care levels and increased contributions from higher earners. Critics, including social organizations, warn that these changes could exacerbate burdens on caregivers and call for enhanced preventive measures.
For journalistic integrity, this report was summarized from: deutschlandfunk.de
