German Health Minister Warken Mulls Higher Care Insurance Contributions for Childless

Germany’s statutory long‑term care insurance faces a projected deficit of around €4‑5 billion this year, prompting Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) to consider a reform that would raise the surcharge paid by childless contributors. Media reports say the childless surcharge could increase from the current 0.6 percentage points to 0.7 percentage points, raising the overall care contribution for those without children to roughly 4.3 percent of earnings, while rates for people with children would stay at 3.6 percent (one child), 3.35 percent (two children) and 3.1 percent (three children). The DAK chief, Andreas Storm, warned that without urgent measures the care funds could require emergency financial aid, and noted the possibility of an additional 0.2 percentage‑point rise later in the year. SPD health spokesperson Christos Pantazis said a higher childless contribution is a legitimate option to secure the system’s long‑term financing. The minister’s office has not confirmed the details, citing an upcoming comprehensive draft that is expected to be presented to parliament in the near term.

The proposed change would add about €5 per month to a €5,000 gross salary, roughly €60 annually, and reflects court‑mandated differentiation of contributions based on parental status. The reform remains under discussion, with no bill yet released.