Bern Slashes Family Caregiver Payments to CHF 14.50 in 2025 Reform

Canton Bern is overhauling its reimbursement system for family caregivers. From January 1, 2025, a new hourly rate of CHF 14.50 will replace the current CHF 78.70. Officials say the adjustment will better reflect actual care costs and cut unnecessary financial strain.

The reform also targets inefficiencies in home care services. High labour expenses have long pressured providers, and the new rate aims to address these challenges.

The current rate of CHF 78.70 per hour has faced criticism for creating financial imbalances. Reports suggest it led to excessive margins for some providers while failing to ease operational pressures. No detailed public data exists on its exact impact, but general findings point to high labour costs as a key issue in Swiss home care.

Under the 2025 reform, the canton will cover real expenses instead of inflated figures. This shift is designed to remove perverse incentives that may have encouraged unnecessary service extensions. The new CHF 14.50 rate will apply uniformly, ensuring fairer funding distribution.

The change follows broader concerns about sustainability in home care. With providers struggling under high costs, the adjustment seeks to stabilise finances while maintaining service quality. Families relying on Spitex organisations will see the updated rates take effect at the start of next year.

The reform will take full effect on January 1, 2025. Canton Bern expects the lower rate to ease financial pressure on home care providers and families alike. By aligning payments with actual costs, officials aim to create a more sustainable system for long-term care.