Oliver Blatt, the chairman of the GKV-Spitzenverband, expressed skepticism regarding the proposed capping of costs during the ongoing debate about nursing reform. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, he argued that cost ceilings for residential care must be examined in a more nuanced manner. He acknowledged that the financial burden of high co-payments on individuals needing care is significant and needs action. However, Blatt warned that a simple cap would merely push the problem elsewhere, raising the question of who would ultimately bear the costs.
He noted that such a ceiling would cost billions and lamented the lack of proposals for a viable counter-financing mechanism. The GKV association leader stressed that the burden should not ultimately fall back onto those who pay premiums. Instead, he strongly suggested that the federal states and their responsibility for covering investment costs should be highlighted. He added that this arrangement could immediately ease the financial pressure on care recipients in homes by up to 500 euros per month.
Regarding the idea of financial balancing between social and private nursing insurance, Blatt remains open to the concept. He stated that the principle of fairness between the two branches of insurance should be discussed. He expressed anticipation regarding what the expert committee planned by the Federal Minister of Health, Carsten Linnemann, will propose on this matter.
Blatt also welcomed Linnemann’s proposal to structure benefits socially and to have the commission develop a concrete concept. He pointed out that the health insurance fund currently pays nearly eight billion euros to subsidize co-payments in full-stay care, but this subsidy is applied uniformly. He criticized the system for failing to differentiate between an individual with considerable wealth and one who barely covers their co-payment with a small pension and savings. He believes that discussions about a fair subsidy framework are necessary and that the commission could certainly provide valuable suggestions in this area.
Furthermore, he called on politicians to cover the pension contributions for family caregivers using tax funds. He criticized the current practice of tapping into the funds of premium payers to cover billions in retirement contributions for family care. Blatt asserted that paying these costs through taxation would be both fair and fiscally sound, given their broader societal importance.
Finally, he noted that the costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are also dragging down the finances of the care sector, representing a five-billion-euro financial burden. The GKV association leader emphasized that many of these issues could be solved if the federal government fulfilled its responsibilities.
