Last year, the GFK umbrella association registered around 361,000 new care cases – eleven percent more than in previous years. The cause of this development is not yet clear. Contributions could increase.
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. In previous years the number grew by around 326,000 cases per year, but by 361,000 cases in 2023. GKV Vice President Gernot Kiefer told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
Situation could be even more critical
There is still no conclusive answer as to where this increase is coming from. “It is conceivable that it is a one-time catch-up effect of the pandemic,” he said. Many older people might not have dared to let the medical service examiners into the house until late. “However, if this is a new trend, the situation in care will become much 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.”
Does the state help with relief?
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’s 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 were not dragged into the federal election campaign.”
Higher care contributions at the turn of the year?
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 growing number of people in need of care is likely to require an increase by the turn of the 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.
Reform decided in 2023
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 four 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.