The German Minister of Health proposes increasing insurance for childless individuals to cover the deficit in the long-term care system.

The German Minister of Health, Nina Warken, has announced a controversial plan to increase health insurance for childless individuals as part of the necessary reforms to counteract the 22.5 billion euro deficit in the long-term care insurance budget. This measure could involve an increase in the contribution surcharge for those without children by 0.1 percentage points, reaching 0.7%.

Thus, childless individuals will pay a total contribution rate of 4.3%, while those with children will remain at the current rates. Warken also intends to reduce subsidies for care in nursing homes, which could lead to additional costs for residents and more difficult access to insurance benefits.

The plans are currently being discussed within the coalition and have not been officially confirmed. The reform is expected to be presented before the summer vacation.