Berlin – A dispute is escalating within Germany’s governing coalition over the future of care level 1 in the long-term care insurance system, with the CDU signaling openness to its abolition while the SPD firmly rejects performance cuts. The debate centers on addressing a growing financial strain on the insurance system,projected to reach a €3.5 billion deficit in the coming years, up from €1.65 billion last year.
North Rhine-Westphalian CDU Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann told the “Rheinische Post” that a “honest inventory” is needed after eight years as the introduction of the new care level, noting that care insurance currently covers services beyond its core task. “A realignment of the care degree 1 is a consideration in the current discussions,” Laumann stated, adding that the CDU aims to strengthen outpatient and domestic care.
Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken is reportedly considering abolishing care level 1, a move that, according to “Bild am Sonntag,” could save around €1.8 billion annually and affect approximately 860,000 people.
However, SPD parliamentary group deputy leader Dagmar Schmidt pushed back strongly against the proposal. “We reject performance cuts,” Schmidt told the newspaper, emphasizing the need to stabilize long-term care insurance financially. “Instead, we are committed to ensuring that all people in Germany can rely on support if they need them.” Schmidt advocated for strengthening revenue sources and solidarity to ensure the system’s financial sustainability.
A federal-state working group is currently developing proposals to address the financial challenges, with the SPD awaiting their recommendations.
