Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) is planning significant changes under the nursing reform, which includes cutting subsidies for home care costs and increasing the financial burden on high-earners. These measures are outlined in the legislative draft reported by Politico.
The reform aims to achieve substantial savings on home care expenses, targeting €2.6 billion next year and €2.7 billion by 2028. While the general system of staggered subsidies will remain in place, the draft proposes that individuals requiring care will receive higher benefits from the long-term care insurance six months after seeking the service.
For 2027, Warken plans to increase revenue and implement cuts within the care insurance system, totaling €11.25 billion. According to the draft, the total annual financial impact of the reform is set to rise to €20.34 billion by 2030.
Furthermore, high-earners will be asked to make additional contributions, similar to how the health insurance system operates, due to an unplanned increase in the contribution assessment ceiling. This measure is projected to inject €1.6 billion into the care funds next year, followed by €1.7 billion each in the subsequent two years.
On the side of care insurers, the plan includes reducing the pension contributions made for relatives who are providing care. This is expected to relieve care funds by €1.8 billion next year, gradually increasing to €2.1 billion through the end of 2030. Additionally, the contribution rate for childless individuals will increase by 0.1 percentage points, reaching a total rate of 0.7 contribution points.
