Minister of Health seeks to halt growth in individual payments for assisted living facilities

The German government is facing mounting pressure to address a growing debt owed to the nursing care fund, as experts warn of potential increases in co-payments for nursing home residents.

Eugen Brysch, a board member of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, has urged the federal government to settle its debts with the nursing care fund, arguing that this immediate action would reduce the average nursing home costs by around 600 euros per month.

The Association of Substitute Health Insurance Companies conducted a data analysis that revealed the average first-year co-payment for nursing home residents was 2871 euros per month as of July 1, 2024. This figure is expected to rise to approximately 3100 euros per month in 2025, representing an 8.3% increase compared to a year ago.

The increase in co-payments is attributed to increased personnel and living costs. The Health Minister has expressed concern about the shift of investment costs onto nursing home residents, advocating for a move away from rigid guidelines towards more affordable offerings in nursing homes.

The minister has also urged states to review their regulations and standards for building nursing homes, as well as fulfilling their financing obligations and covering the training and investment costs for nursing homes.

Nina Warken, the Health Minister, has emphasized the need for reform of the nursing care insurance, stating that the income and expenditure of the nursing care insurance are currently apart and cannot continue as is. She has further called for an end to the game of hot potato between the federal government and the states.

The delay in structural reform for nursing homes has not gone unnoticed, with the German Foundation for Patient Protection criticizing this delay. The increased co-payments pose a significant concern, as they may place an unsustainable financial burden on patients and their families, potentially making care unaffordable for some.

This situation raises concerns about the affordability and accessibility of long-term care for elderly and vulnerable populations in Germany. Greater financial burden on nursing home residents and their families could lead to potential social and health inequalities, as those with lower incomes might face difficult choices or opt for lower-quality care.

Moreover, increased pressure on the healthcare and social support systems could result from unpaid care needs outside formal settings.

In summary, settling the government's debts with the nursing care fund would help stabilize funding, potentially preventing increases in co-payments for nursing home residents. This is crucial to maintaining access, affordability, and quality in nursing home care in Germany. Without such settlements, increased co-payments may place an unsustainable financial burden on patients and their families.

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