863,000 people affected! The government is considering abolishing primary care level
The German government is considering abolishing the first level of care in an attempt to save billions, as long-term care funds face a significant financial deficit. Officials in the Ministry of Health confirmed that reducing the lowest level of care is one of the proposed measures to stabilize the system.
The mandatory long-term care insurance system is expected to face a deficit estimated at around two billion euros in 2026. According to sources from the coalition, the abolition of the first care level has already been discussed during negotiations between the Christian Democratic Union CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party SPD. Prominent politicians say this step could be a possible way to bridge the financial gap.
Currently, around 863,000 people in Germany are classified under the first level of care. They receive a monthly allowance of 131 euros that can be used for home helpers or family caregivers, in addition to grants for home renovations or emergency alarm buttons. Research from the RWI Leibniz Institute for Economic Research indicates that abolishing this level could save about 1.8 billion euros annually.
However, the Federal Ministry of Health has not yet confirmed the decision. A spokesperson explained that the Care Reform Committee is still reviewing revenues, expenditures, and the structure of care levels. The first report is expected to be released by mid-October, and officials confirmed that no conclusions can be reached before that.
Zeb Müller, Vice President of the CDU parliamentary group, stated that the government must make decisive decisions: "Labor costs not related to wages must decrease instead of increasing. This should be our primary goal to ensure jobs and prosperity. Therefore, we must seriously examine all available tools." The debate is expected to intensify as the government seeks to reconcile financial discipline with the needs of the most vulnerable groups.