Advocates for patient rights push for a limitation on healthcare expenses to be set at 1000 euros - Advocates for patient rights call for insurance to cover treatment expenses up to 1000 euros
The federal government in Germany is currently grappling with the high deficits in its statutory long-term care insurance system. In an effort to address these issues, a federal-state working group for care reform is set to meet for the first time on Monday [1]. This group, established as part of the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD, will focus on developing the basis for a reform of long-term care insurance.
The long-term care system in Germany, funded through payroll contributions, covers about 90% of the population, with mandatory coverage for employees within income thresholds and private compulsory nursing care insurance for privately insured individuals [2]. However, the costs for accommodation, food, and above-average comfort continue to be borne by each individual in long-term care, leading to financial strain for many recipients and their families.
Eugen Brysch, a patient advocate, has been vocal about the need for reform, particularly in the form of a cap on care costs. He has previously demanded that the pure care costs be capped at 1000 euros for long-term care insurance. However, the federal government has not explicitly implemented a policy capping long-term care costs at this amount [1].
Brysch has expressed concern about the government's planned reform commission for social security, fearing continued "brazen raiding" of contributors and care recipients' accounts. He has also accused the government of plundering the long-term care insurance by almost 15 billion euros annually [1].
The ongoing financial challenges facing long-term care insurance have led to additional costs for caregivers. Annually, there are pension insurance contributions of 3.5 billion euros from caregivers, a training levy of one billion euros, and a cancelled federal subsidy of one billion euros [1]. Residents of care homes currently pay an average of 3.8 billion euros annually for medical care in care facilities [1].
To address these financial issues, the federal government plans to support the long-term care insurance with loans of 0.5 billion euros this year and 1.5 billion euros next year [1].
Despite these measures, the issue of cost caps remains a topic of ongoing discussion and advocacy. Patient advocates continue to press for reforms to establish reasonable caps or limits on long-term care costs, aiming to alleviate financial strain for recipients [1].
Notably, Nina Warken from Funke Media Group has not expressed any recent opinions about the reform of long-term care insurance.
In summary, while there is no confirmed government action to cap long-term care costs at 1000 euros, the issue remains relevant for advocates and care recipients seeking more predictable and affordable care costs within Germany's established long-term care insurance framework [1][2].
[1] Source: German Press Agency (dpa) [2] Source: Federal Ministry of Health (Germany)
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