Even now, the statutory long-term care insurance only covers part of the care costs. More than half of those affected often have to carry their own accommodation or food in the nursing home. Now also the contributions for the insured could rise extremely.
According to a study by the Prognos Institute for the Bertelsmann Foundation, young people are particularly heavily burdened. By 2050, it is expected that the rate will increase from currently just over three percent to almost five percent. This was announced by the foundation - and demanded that the funding basis be readjusted.
The population is getting older, the need for care continues to increase and the nurses would be better remunerated - all of which let the care expenses increase significantly, it says in the study. "Changing the baby boomers from the group of contributors to those receiving care will further aggravate the situation."
Study argues for higher contributions and tax money
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn called for a broad dialogue on the future financing of care. By mid-2020, the CDU politician wants to submit a proposal. As costs continue to rise, there is growing pressure to restructure financing.
The Bertelsmann Foundation requires a "generational compensation" within the existing system of long-term care insurance. Given the looming excess spending, the provident funds are just as inadequate as a private insurance scheme proposed by the insurance industry. Necessary are other ways to relieve younger contributors.
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In order to counteract spending increases and create more intergenerational fairness, the foundation calls for an early but moderate increase in the contribution rate. It should be linked to a tax subsidy. This would have to increase over the years - from initially 9.6 billion euros annually to 24.5 billion euros in 2050.
The initial surplus funds could flow into the long-term care fund and serve to keep the contribution rate stable at 3.5 percent. "Expanding the fund would put the least burden on future generations."
A grant from general taxation would also have the advantage that higher earners above the income threshold would be involved in the funding, the foundation said in its analysis. Currently, this population group is often privately insured and thus "deprived of the solidarity of social care insurance." Brigitte Mohn, CEO of the Bertelsmann Foundation, said: "Everyone must be involved in providing for their ability as well."
