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German healthcare and long-term care insurance reforms

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2026-09-29 05:52 UTC → 2026-09-29 07:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Germany is facing significant financial and structural challenges within its healthcare and long-term care insurance systems. The long-term care insurance system is projected to face deficits of 8 billion euros in 2027 and over 15 billion euros in 2028. To address this, Health Minister Carsten Linnemann has proposed the Care Sustainability Ordinance (PNOG), which includes raising contribution assessment ceilings and increasing surcharges for childless individuals. The debate has reached a significant impasse within the governing coalition. The SPD has threatened to block Minister Linnemann’s plans, characterizing them as a mere package of budget cuts rather than necessary structural changes. To secure SPD support, the party is demanding a “fair contribution” from private insurance holders and the implementation of a “Pflegedeckel” (care cap) to limit monthly out-of-pocket expenses for care residents to 1,500 euros. Minister Linnemann has rejected this cap, arguing it fails to address underlying financing issues, noting that total costs for nursing home placements often exceed 3,000 euros. Recent developments indicate the reform remains in a deadlock. The German Care Council (Pflegerat) has criticized the draft for proposing higher hurdles to obtain care levels and cutting certain relief benefits. Additionally, the private insurance sector has signaled potential legal opposition to proposals involving asset transfers or financial equalization with the social ~~system.~~ system, with the PKV-Verband calling such moves a “breach of the dam”. While federal subsidies might temporarily mitigate contribution increases, economic experts suggest that long-term stability necessitates structural reforms, such as reviewing inpatient care supplements and limiting service access to align with professional recommendations.

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