Concerns are mounting over the proposed funding model for Germany’s healthcare and long-term care insurance systems, with the President of the social welfare association VdK, Verena Bentele, voicing strong reservations.
Bentele cautioned that relying on comparatively low-value loans instead of substantial and legally binding federal subsidies creates the impression of a temporary, stop-gap measure within the national budget. She emphasized the necessity of fair and dependable federal funding for essential societal expenditures, arguing that this is a prerequisite for structural reforms that should not disproportionately disadvantage those insured.
Beyond the immediate funding issue, Bentele also criticized the lack of comprehensive measures – such as innovative climate payment schemes or “social leasing” initiatives designed to foster a socially and ecologically responsible transformation – within the budget planning process. She reiterated the need for a reform of Germany’s debt brake, even with the existence of a special fund, to facilitate long-term investments that are critical to the future sustainability of the social welfare state.
