Experts Debate Reforms Amid Social Care Insurance Deficit in Germany

On December 3, 2025, health experts convened in Berlin to discuss pressing reforms for Germany's Social Care Insurance (Soziale Pflegeversicherung, SPV), which faces significant financial and structural challenges. The SPV recorded a deficit of 550 million euros in the first three quarters of 2025, despite rising contributions and reduced funding to care provisions. The fund balance stood at 5.34 billion euros at the end of 2024, equivalent to just one month's expenses.

Experts called for comprehensive and sustainable reforms, urging the federal government to provide financial relief, including repaying COVID-19 related funds to the SPV—a move that could inject up to 10 billion euros by 2026. Health economist Stefan Greß advocated for a citizens' care insurance model to shift financial responsibilities more evenly between insurers and care recipients. Meanwhile, the Private Health Insurance Association seeks a simplification of care benefits, and the BDA employer association warned about mounting social contributions, forecasted to approach nearly 49% over the next decade, recommending tax-funded financing for non-insurance benefits and introducing a sustainability factor in the SPV.

Furthermore, representatives of family caregivers highlighted challenges in securing appropriate ambulatory care. Political voices like the Left Party urged the government not to cut care benefits, cautioning against provisions in the coalition agreement that could reduce support for those in need. These discussions underscore a critical moment for Germany's care system, emphasizing the need to balance financial sustainability with care quality and accessibility.