Oliver Blatt, the Chairman of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, is calling upon both the federal government and the states to increase their financial contributions to alleviate the burden on the long-term care insurance system.
According to a report in the “Rheinische Post” Blatt warned that the care insurance system is facing the greatest challenge since its introduction 31 years ago. He pointed out that the states have been hesitant to cover the necessary investment costs for nursing homes. If they took up this responsibility, residents could benefit immediately from an estimated monthly savings of around 500 euros. Blatt stressed that speed is needed and that the states are directly responsible for this assistance.
Blatt also addressed the federal government, criticizing what he saw as an evasion of financial duties, particularly concerning costs unrelated to the insurance premiums. The GKV chief highlighted that the federal government owes the care insurance system approximately five billion euros in COVID-related debt. Furthermore, the federal government currently contributes nothing toward the pension contributions for caring relatives. Collectively, Blatt estimated that the federal government owes the care insurance system around ten billion euros in the current year alone.
In light of the planned care reform proposed by federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), the GKV Chairman stated that the situation is “extremely difficult”. He explained that the care insurance system is currently obligated to spend more money than it collects, and the ability of residents to pay out of pocket is severely strained. He stressed that sustaining the system’s operational capability and affordability is paramount, given the care insurance’s role as a central pillar of social security.
Minister Warken plans to submit a draft law for the care reform by mid-May. She has emphasized that the care insurance is only a “partial insurance guarantee” and cannot cover all associated costs in the event of long-term care needs. She projected a combined deficit amounting to 22.5 billion euros for the years 2027 and 2028.
