According to its own information, the umbrella association of statutory health insurance companies (GKV) noticed a sharp increase in the number of care cases last year. “While the number of people in need of care grew by around 326,000 cases per year in previous years, in 2023 there was suddenly an increase of 361,000 cases. “That’s an increase of eleven percent,” said GKV vice-chairman Gernot Kiefer to the newspapers of the Funke media group.
There is still no conclusive answer as to where this increase is coming from. “It is conceivable that it is a one-off catch-up effect of the pandemic: many older people may not have dared to allow the medical service examiners into their homes until late. However, if this is a new trend, the situation in care will become even more critical.”
The increase will not continue with this dynamic forever, said Kiefer. “From the second half of the 2030s onwards, the curve will flatten somewhat as the wave of baby boomers subsides.”
Reform was only decided last year
If politicians continue to only adjust the contribution screw, the contributions would continue to rise gradually, said Kiefer. There are alternatives, such as the state itself taking over some of the services that are currently allocated to long-term care insurance. “That is why my urgent appeal, also with a view to reliable financing, is that the federal government must act by January 1, 2025. It would be wise if the issue was not dragged into the federal election campaign.”
A study published on Tuesday had already come to the conclusion that a further increase in care contributions could soon be on the horizon. The ever-increasing number of people in need of care in Germany will likely require an increase by the turn of the next year, according to the new care report from the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit. A contribution rate adjustment to ensure the solvency of long-term care insurance is likely as early as 2024.
To stabilize long-term care insurance, the Bundestag passed a reform last year. The finances should actually be secured until 2025. The contribution for those without children rose to 4 percent and for contributors with one child to 3.4 percent. The employer share rose to 1.7 percent. If you have more children, the contribution decreases.