North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Health, Karl-Josef Laumann of the CDU, has indicated openness to reforms within the existing care grading system. The move comes as part of a broader discussion surrounding the future of care insurance and its long-term sustainability.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Laumann emphasized the need for a reliable and future-proof care insurance system. He highlighted that an assessment of the system, eight years after the introduction of the current care grading structure, is necessary. Specifically, he noted that the designation of “care grade 1” as a “prevention grade” has not demonstrably slowed the progression of care needs. Instead, it appears to have broadened expectations of what the care insurance system should encompass, extending beyond its core functions.
Laumann’s stance aligns with that of Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (also CDU), who has previously signaled a willingness to consider abolishing care grade 1. He further stated that the upcoming reform process should allow for fundamental reconsideration and criticism of the current framework. A potential realignment of care grade 1 is currently under active discussion. The overarching goal, he confirmed, remains to strengthen the provision of both outpatient and in-home care services.
