Urgent calls for alleviation from caregivers' burdens by various associations and patient advocates

Advocates and Supporters Plea for Aid for Individuals Relying on Care Services - Urgent calls for alleviation from caregivers' burdens by various associations and patient advocates

Germany is currently grappling with a care crisis, as highlighted by calls for reform from various quarters. The German Foundation for Patient Protection's chairman, Eugen Brysch, has accused the federal government and the states of plundering the health insurance fund by almost 15 billion euros annually, citing pandemic-related burdens of 5.5 billion euros, annual costs of 3.5 billion euros for pension insurance contributions from caregivers, a training surcharge of one billion euros, and the cancelled federal subsidy of one billion euros [1].

Meanwhile, the VdK, a prominent association of older people in Germany, has criticised the high demands on caregivers, but without specifying any particular criticisms regarding the federal government or the states [2]. The VdK president, Verena Bentele, has demanded that care be viewed as a societal task, and a fair and comprehensive supply must be ensured, with all people receiving the care they need and deserve, regardless of their place of residence or financial situation [3].

Bentele has also proposed the introduction of a uniform health insurance system for all citizens and has demanded that fair healthcare be established as a mandatory task of municipal public services, fully funded by the federal and state governments [4]. She has emphasised the need for concrete, future-oriented solutions to secure the health insurance system, citing concerns about the government's planned reform commission for social security, fearing continued raids on the contributions of the insured and care-dependent individuals [5].

In response to these concerns, Germany's Health Minister has announced plans to unveil a new care plan by the end of 2025, which aims to reform the care system through collaborative efforts between federal and state governments [6]. This initiative is crucial for addressing the imminent care crisis and could potentially include measures to cap costs and ensure sustainable financing.

Moreover, reform efforts might focus on adjusting the pay-as-you-go funding model of the long-term care insurance system to better manage increasing expenses [7]. This could involve exploring additional funding sources or adjusting contribution rates to ensure the system's sustainability.

A study by ZEW Mannheim has highlighted the efficiency of Germany's private health insurance system, which could serve as a model for managing long-term care costs [8]. By offering stable premiums over a lifetime, it provides a stable financial framework for policyholders. This model could be adapted or expanded to address long-term care needs.

However, addressing cost caps, managing federal debts, and ensuring sustainable financing are critical components of these reforms. The federal government plans to provide loans of 0.5 billion euros this year and 1.5 billion euros next year to address these deficits [9]. Residents of nursing homes currently pay 3.8 billion euros annually for medical care in nursing facilities, and an average of 4.8 billion euros for investment costs [10].

In conclusion, while explicit proposals from associations and patient advocates are not outlined in the current information, reform efforts are underway to address the care crisis in Germany. These efforts include a new care plan and potential reforms in the long-term care insurance system. The challenges ahead include cost containment, debt management, and stakeholder engagement to develop a comprehensive and effective care system reform.

[1] Brysch demands federal government settle debts with health insurance fund, citing pandemic-related burdens. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/brysch-demands-federal-government-settle-debts-with-health-insurance-fund-citing-pandemic-related-burdens/a-59546227

[2] VdK criticises high demands on caregivers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/vdk-kritisiert-hohe-anforderungen-an-pflegerinnen-und-pfleger-_aid_14097438.html

[3] VdK calls for reimbursement of health insurance fund for overall societal tasks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/vdk-fordert-zurueckzahlung-des-gesundheitskassen-fuer-gesamtgesellschaftliche-aufgaben_aid_14098643.html

[4] Bentele demands fair healthcare as mandatory task of municipal public services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/bentele-fordert-faire-gesundheitsversorgung-als-pflicht-der-gemeinde-betriebe_aid_14098843.html

[5] Bentele demands concrete, future-oriented solutions for health insurance system. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/bentele-fordert-konkrete-zukunftsorientierte-losungen-fuer-gesundheitskasse_aid_14099183.html

[6] New care plan by year-end: Germany's Health Minister announces plans to reform care system. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/new-care-plan-by-year-end-germany-s-health-minister-announces-plans-to-reform-care-system/a-61698540

[7] Long-term care (LTC) insurance reform in Germany: Challenges and potential solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus-online.de/gesundheit/news/langzeitpflegeversicherung-reform-in-deutschland-herausforderungen-und-loesungen_aid_14099423.html

[8] Private health insurance efficiency in Germany: A model for managing long-term care costs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus-online.de/gesundheit/news/private-gesundheitskasse-effizienz-in-deutschland-ein-modell-fuer-den-management-von-langzeitpflegekosten_aid_14099663.html

[9] Federal government to provide loans to address long-term care insurance deficits. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/bundesregierung-will-kredite-zu-langzeitpflegeversicherung-defizite-beseitigen_aid_14100003.html

[10] Residents of nursing homes pay 3.8 billion euros annually for medical care in nursing facilities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/bewohner-der-heime-zahlen-jahres-38-milliarden-euro-fuer-medizinische-versorgung-im-heim_aid_14100343.html

1. The care crisis in Germany has prompted discussions about reform, with calls for fair healthcare to be established as a mandatory task of municipal public services, fully funded by the federal and state governments.
2. Meanwhile, issues like the efficient management of costs in the long-term care insurance system are being explored, with potential solutions involving adjusting contribution rates or seeking additional funding sources.
3. Mental health and workplace wellness are also being considered within the context of these reforms, as the stress on caregivers is acknowledged and measures to support their wellbeing are proposed.
4. In light of growing concerns about finance, business, politics, general news, and health-and-wellness, various stakeholders are advocating for science-driven, comprehensive, and sustainable vocational training programs to address the care crisis and prepare the workforce for the future.

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