German Care Commissioner Urges Longer Transition for Care Insurance Overhaul

Katrin Staffler, the German federal government's commissioner for long-term care, has called for extended transition periods for the planned overhaul of the country's long-term care insurance system. Speaking to the media group Schwäbische Zeitung, the CSU politician warned against implementing major statutory changes on January 1, 2027, given that the Bundestag is expected to pass the corresponding legislation only in mid-December.

The proposed reform seeks to consolidate the financial position of the public long-term care insurance fund, which faces a projected deficit of 7.6 billion euros in 2027. Through a combination of expenditure brakes and additional revenue measures, the federal government intends to avoid general contribution rate increases for citizens in the coming year.

Staffler stressed that the reform's impact on home care requires careful timing, pointing out that 86 percent of all individuals in need of care in Germany are looked after in their own homes. She argued that public discussions frequently focus on inpatient care facilities and rising co-payments, thereby neglecting the daily requirements of family caregivers and mobile care services.

Specific elements of the draft legislation under discussion involve modifications to home care provisions, including the monthly relief allowance and respite care benefits designed to support families when primary caregivers are temporarily unavailable. Representatives of the SPD have likewise called for modifications to ensure smooth administrative transitions for families relying on these services.

Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann of the CDU acknowledged the concerns surrounding the timetable. During the initial parliamentary reading in the Bundestag, Linnemann stated that "there must be no harsh disruptions at the turn of the year" for care recipients. The health minister is scheduled to address the draft law at the German Care Day conference in Berlin.

Written by Freya Stensrud freya.stensrud@alpineweekly.com