Germany Targets Nursing Care Reform by End of 2026 Amid Crisis and Criticism

Germany’s federal and state governments are advancing plans for a fundamental financial reform of the nursing care insurance system, aiming to enact changes by the end of 2026. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) stressed after a joint working group meeting that "inaction is no longer an option," with the system requiring restructuring to ensure sustainability. The reform proposals prioritize maintaining the existing five care levels and using limited resources more strategically, focusing on preventive measures to delay care needs. Services proven beneficial will not face cuts, despite critical reviews.

Financial stabilization includes federal loans totaling 3.7 billion euros over two years to avert escalating deficits, with a contribution rate expected to remain stable in early 2026. However, criticism emerged from opposition politicians and healthcare associations regarding the vagueness of the reform options. Janosch Dahmen, Green health expert, lamented the absence of clear political decisions, while Left Party’s Evelyn Schötz called the report a "timid paper." The head of the statutory health insurance association, Oliver Blatt, highlighted the lack of concrete coordinated proposals.

DAK-Gesundheit CEO Andreas Storm, whose company covers 5.4 million insured individuals including around 560,000 long-term care recipients, also condemned the commission’s report for failing to deliver decisive solutions. He warned that the care crisis is worsening due to the absence of a clear reform blueprint.

In parallel, regional healthcare concerns persist, as highlighted by an AOK survey in Baden-Württemberg showing varied satisfaction levels across the state and widespread worry about caregiver burden. This underscores the broader challenges facing Germany’s healthcare and nursing systems.

Overall, the reform effort represents a critical but contested step toward addressing chronic financial challenges in nursing care insurance, with ongoing discussions planned to finalize financing mechanisms by early 2026.