German Health Minister Nina Warken faces backlash over care reform

Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has presented a draft reform of Germany’s long‑term care system that aims to curb costs through higher contributions, stricter eligibility rules and reduced free co‑insurance for spouses. The plan proposes raising the childless contribution rate from 4.2 % to 4.3 %, limiting free spousal coverage and extending the waiting periods for reduced resident‑care co‑payments, which together are projected to save €2.6 billion for the care insurers next year.

The proposal has sparked sharp criticism from coalition partners and opposition parties. SPD’s Manuela Schwesig warned that the reforms would make care “unaffordable”, while CSU leader Klaus Holetschek called cuts to pension contributions for caregivers “a slap in the face”. The president of the German Cities Association, Burkhard Jung, said he was “shocked and angry” at the prospect of municipalities shouldering extra social‑aid costs, estimating an additional €1 billion in 2027. The reform is framed as a response to a worsening public‑finance outlook, with a projected overall deficit of €7.6 billion for 2027.