Concerns are mounting across Germany over potential government plans to eliminate Pflegegrad 1, the lowest level of care classification within the long-term care insurance system. Organizations and politicians are warning that such a measure would have serious repercussions for vulnerable individuals and their families.
Joachim Rock, CEO of the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband, cautioned against the move, emphasizing the negative signal it would send to those with mild impairments and their caregivers. He highlighted that 80% of individuals requiring care are supported at home and the financial assistance provided through Pflegegrad 1 – ranging up to €131 per month – often provides crucial support like grocery shopping and cleaning services, allowing family members to continue providing care. Eliminating this support, he argued, would likely increase reliance on professional care services or residential facilities, leading to increased costs and social isolation for those affected.
The Green Party and the Left party have joined in the criticism, warning against using long-term care as a means to address budget shortfalls. Green Party health policy spokesperson Janosch Dahmen criticized the planned cuts, stating, “Care must not become the piggy bank for flawed household politics”. He argued that any shortfall in funding should be covered by the federal government rather than cutting benefits for those in need. The Left party echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the move would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society and accused the government of prioritizing the interests of private health insurers.
Even within the ruling coalition, reservations are being expressed. Dennis Radtke, head of the Christian Democratic Arbeitnehmerschaft (CDA), acknowledged the need for a nuanced approach, stating that while preventative measures are valuable, the accuracy of the current system requires closer scrutiny. He advocated for a comprehensive reform aimed at stabilizing the long-term care system rather than a hasty, piecemeal approach.
Reports suggest that both the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are considering these changes as a potential cost-saving measure, impacting an estimated 860,000 people currently receiving Pflegegrad 1 benefits. The core principle of social insurance systems should be reliability and a sweeping reform would foster more confidence and stability.