German Health Minister Nina Warken’s Care Reform Cuts Pensions for Caregivers
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) presented a draft reform of Germany’s long‑term care insurance aimed at closing a billion‑euro financing gap. The plan would reduce the pension‑contribution base for people who care for relatives by 30 % from 2027, lowering the future pension they receive. It also raises the care‑insurance contribution rate for childless individuals to 4.3 % and tightens eligibility criteria for care grades 1‑3, making it harder for new applicants to qualify for benefits. Additional measures shift costs onto municipalities – the “help for care” expenses already exceed €5 billion a year and could rise if more claimants fall into social‑aid. The reform is projected to save €1.8 billion in 2027 and up to €20 billion by 2030, but it has triggered strong opposition from city‑mayors, the German Association of Cities, opposition parties and care‑sector groups, who call it a “blow to the face of the municipalities” and warn of increased burdens on caregivers and care‑dependent families.