Andreas Storm, the CEO of DAK-Gesundheit, praised the nursing care reform while simultaneously expressing several reservations. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” Storm stated that the reform is “factually no longer a savings law,” which he viewed as a positive and crucial factor for public acceptance of the changes.
However, he warned that because essential savings have been removed, the surcharge for childless individuals has significantly increased. The DAK boss pointed out that this group is now bearing a burden of 3.3 billion euros, accounting for over half of the consolidation volume. Storm criticized this situation, stating critically, “The widening of contributions cannot continue. With a general contribution of 3.6 percent and 4.5 percent for childless people, we have reached a worrying constitutional dimension.”
Additionally, he criticized Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), arguing that the federal government continues not to reimburse nursing care funds for the Covid-19 relief payments. Although Federal Minister for Health Carsten Linnemann (CDU) has championed this issue, Klingbeil has remained resistant. According to the DAK CEO, “Everyone has moved, except the Finance Minister. That is regrettable and detrimental to the contributors,” referring to more than five billion euros in Corona aid that the care funds advanced.
Looking ahead, Storm expects the planned nursing care commission to examine a possible solidarity surcharge targeting privately insured individuals. He noted that the commission presents an opportunity to create parity between private and social nursing care insurance. Addressing the themes of fairness and acceptance necessary for reforms, the DAK CEO concluded by saying that because the number of people requiring care continues to rise, it is necessary to see how additional financial resources can be generated.
