German care reform draft draws sharp criticism over costs and limited structural changes

The Arbeiter‑Samariter‑Bund (ASB) denounced the draft Pflege‑Neuanordnungsgesetz (PNOG) as a “bankruptcy declaration” for Germany’s social policy. ASB chief Uwe Martin Fichtmüller warned that rising out‑of‑pocket payments, unchanged special‑care schemes for officials, and the planned suspension of tariff‑faithfulness would weaken solidarity, worsen staffing shortages and lower care quality. The association called for full tax financing of non‑insurance services, reimbursement of pandemic‑related care‑insurance debts and a cap on personal contributions.

The CDU’s Wirtschaftsrat, represented by Secretary‑General Wolfgang Steiger, gave the draft a mixed evaluation. It praised the introduction of a “care cockpit”, expanded digitalisation and stricter criteria for care‑grade classification as useful steps. However, the council warned that raising the contribution assessment ceiling and other cost‑increasing measures would burden employees and employers alike, weaken Germany’s economic competitiveness and risk a move toward a plan‑economy in care planning. Steiger urged stronger federal‑state support for municipalities, a review of care allowances, and a long‑term shift of funding toward prevention, rehabilitation and professional care services.