Overview

• Media reports say the coalition is examining abolishing Pflegegrad 1, which currently covers people with only light impairments.
• About 861,000–863,000 people were in Care Level 1 at the end of 2024 and could lose low‑threshold support such as the €131 monthly relief amount and subsidies for home adaptations and care aids.
• The health ministry cites a Bund‑Länder working group assessing revenues, spending and benefit design, with an interim report expected by mid‑October.
• The RWI estimates roughly €1.8 billion in annual savings, though watchdogs project a larger funding gap in 2026 of around €2–3.5 billion that the step would not close.
• SPD figures publicly oppose benefit cuts, patient and welfare groups warn of harm to families, and Health Minister Nina Warken has not ruled changes out but says nothing will be taken away overnight.