German nursing care reform faces backlash over financial risks ahead of cabinet review

Andreas Storm, head of DAK-Gesundheit, has urged the government to delay the nursing care reform. He claims the current draft legislation could push many into financial hardship. The reform is set for cabinet review next Monday, but its timeline is now in doubt. Storm warned that the proposed changes would cost the pension fund €1.8 billion each year. He highlighted cuts to family caregiver contributions as a major concern. He also stated that 50 percent of those in residential care could end up dependent on welfare.

According to Storm, the draft bill must be withdrawn and fully revised. He argued that reductions in inpatient care funding would shift costs onto municipalities. The health minister’s proposal includes spending caps and new revenue measures to prevent contribution increases.

Storm called for the reform to be reworked over the summer, alongside the pension overhaul. He stressed that the current version fails to address key financial and social risks. The nursing care reform faces strong opposition from Storm and others. Its planned cabinet review may now be delayed. Without revisions, the reform could strain public finances and increase welfare dependency.