Overview
- AOK Plus reports a noticeable increase in requests to move up from Care Grade 1, and DAK projects upgrade applications will exceed first-time filings in 2025.
- Roughly 860,000 people are in Care Grade 1, which provides limited supports such as a €131 monthly relief benefit and home-adaptation grants up to €4,180.
- The Zukunftspakt Pflege plans to present reform options in mid-December, and the health minister has signaled adjustments rather than abolition of the entry grade.
- An RWI model cites a potential €1.8 billion maximum saving from removing Grade 1, a figure disputed by the GKV, which reports €640 million in actual 2024 spending.
- Germany’s long-term care insurance posted a €1.54 billion deficit in 2024 and is projected to face about €2 billion in 2026, as overall assessments have risen roughly 28.8% since 2020 to over three million.