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Barmer Report: Care Dependency Nearly Doubled in Germany, Driven by 2017 Reform

The insurer urges swift long-term care insurance reform ahead of a federal–state plan.

Die Zahl der Pflegebedürftigen hat sich innerhalb weniger Jahre fast verdoppelt. Laut dem Barmer-Pflegereport stieg deren Zahl zwischen 2015 und 2023 von drei auf 5,7 Millionen. Der Anstieg erkläre sich nur zum Teil mit der Alterung der Gesellschaft.
Pflegebedürftige in Deutschland verdoppelt, Pflegereform 2017 als Hauptursache.

Overview

  • Germany’s care-dependent population rose from 3.0 million in 2015 to 5.7 million in 2023, with prevalence increasing from 3.21% to 6.24%.
  • Only about 15% of the rise is attributed to population aging, with expanded eligibility and easier access following the 2017 overhaul identified as the key driver.
  • Across twelve examined conditions the share also classified as needing care increased, including cancer from 11.4% to 20.0% and dementia from 68.1% to 78.5% between 2017 and 2023.
  • The report warns of growing service gaps, citing slow expansion of home-care capacity, stagnant nursing-home places, and risks to care continuity.
  • Financial strain is mounting, with average first-year out-of-pocket costs in residential care above €3,100 per month and increased use of lower care grades and care allowances, prompting calls to stabilize funding without further contribution hikes as a Bund–Länder group readies reform points this year.