Verena Bentele, the president of the VdK social association, has issued strong warnings against potential cuts to the nursing care insurance system. She argued that focusing solely on short-term savings could ultimately increase costs, explaining that later treatment of more severe and expensive care pathways would not be preventable.
According to Bentele, those who evaluate the challenge solely based on rising numbers of care recipients and attempt to raise financial thresholds or restrict benefits are overlooking critical developments. She highlighted that the increasing number of people needing care is actually evidence that frailty is being detected and addressed earlier and more widely than before. For Bentele, this is a positive trend, as only those recognized within the established system can access necessary counseling, prevention measures, rehabilitation, and support.
Regarding the financial stability of the nursing care insurance, Bentele outlined a three-tiered approach. She stipulated that the immediate future requires the federal government to assume coverage for costs that fall outside the insurance framework. In the medium term, a balanced financial adjustment between statutory and private nursing care insurance is necessary. Looking ahead, she asserted that the only sustainable path forward is a truly solidary care insurance system that includes all citizens and accounts for all types of income.
This commentary comes as Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) plans to limit the current deficit in the nursing care insurance through proposed reforms.
