Care Reform Proposals Faceโฃ Backlash from Unions โคand Associations
Berlin – October 14, โข2025 – proposals from theโ Federal-State Commissionโ for a reform of Germany’s long-term care system are drawing sharp criticism from IG Metall and the Joint Association of Care Insurers,โค both arguing the plans fall short of delivering substantial relief for citizens and care workers. the โgroups are calling for a fundamental shift towards a comprehensive, universally funded insuranceโ model.
The โproposed reforms, intended to addressโ growing financial strains and staffing shortages in the care sector, have been deemed inadequate by key stakeholders. Critics contend the โpartial performance system maintained in the proposals โฃdoes not offer sufficient support, especially for those with high care needs. This debate arrives as Germany’s aging population continues to increase demand for long-term care services, placing immense pressure on theโค existing system and raising concerns about accessibility โฃand โaffordability. โ
IG Metall’s social director, Hans-Jรผrgen Urban, asserted that “real relief would be provided by citizens’ insurance, โwhich civil servants,โ politicians and โhigher โคearners also โpay into and which,โ as full insurance, covers all care-related costs.” The union advocates for a system where contributions are pooled across โขall income levels, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all citizens requiring care.
Joachim Rock, Managing Director of the Joint Association, echoed these concerns, stating, “We need โlong-term care insuranceโ that really protects people – completely and reliably, not just partially.” The association’s demands include capped โฃpersonal contributions, reduced financial burdens on family caregivers, and improved working conditions for care โคprofessionals.โข These measures,โข they argue, are essential for creating โa enduring and equitable long-term care system.