Overview

• Multiple outlets, citing Bild am Sonntag, report that the coalition is considering abolishing Pflegegrad 1 as a rapid savings option, while the Health Ministry declines to pre-empt the reform process.
• The SPD’s health spokesperson rejects benefit cuts, and welfare and patient groups warn the move would burden people with mild impairments and their informal caregivers.
• About 861,000 to 863,000 people are in Pflegegrad 1, which provides a monthly relief payment of up to €131 plus subsidies for home adaptations and caregiver support.
• The RWI institute estimates annual savings of roughly €1.8 billion from eliminating Pflegegrad 1, set against a projected 2026 funding gap of around €2 billion, with the federal audit office warning deficits could reach €3.5 billion.
• CDU deputy Sepp Müller says all instruments must be examined to keep labor costs from rising, and reporting indicates Health Minister Nina Warken is under pressure to present swift savings proposals.