Carinthia private nursing homes face losses amid profit‑ban debate

In Carinthia, Austria, 79 nursing homes with about 5,800 beds are operated by public (24), non‑profit (18) and private (37) providers. Private operators report that none are currently profitable; the regional Chamber of Commerce notes that “no single private nursing‑home operator in Carinthia records a positive balance.” The state pays a basic subsidy of €3,397.60 per resident each month, which the Chamber says does not even cover operating costs, prompting calls to raise the amount.

Landeshauptmann Daniel Fellner pledged during his April inauguration speech that “no profit with care” would be allowed, but the draft amendment to the Care and Assistance Act does not contain a mandatory non‑profit clause. ÖVP club chairman Markus Malle warned that prohibiting profits could jeopardise health‑care provision, citing risks to investments, infrastructure repairs, equipment purchases and staff training. A new funding model aligned with actual costs is planned and may be implemented by the end of the year.