Overview

• Media reports say coalition figures are discussing scrapping Pflegegrad 1, with RWI estimating about €1.8 billion in annual savings.
• Roughly 861,000 people classified in grade 1 at the end of 2024 would forfeit the €131 monthly relief and home-adaptation support.
• Germany’s statutory long-term care insurance faces a projected 2026 funding gap of around €2 billion, triggering the review of benefits.
• SPD leaders publicly reject the idea, and social and patient groups warn of a heavy blow to home care and caregiving relatives.
• Some experts and private providers back examining the cut, while Minister Nina Warken has not taken a position and defers to the working group.