Overview

• The Merz government is considering abolishing Pflegegrad 1 as a cost-cutting measure, with reports citing potential savings of about €1.8 billion per year.
• Roughly 860,000 people nationwide could be affected, including 839 residents in Bad Tölz‑Wolfratshausen recorded with Pflegegrad 1 as of December 15, 2023.
• Pflegegrad 1 currently grants up to €131 per month for supportive services such as household help and errands.
• Care providers say the allowance often falls short of actual costs, leading to user top‑ups, and they warn elimination would reduce preventive home visits, increase isolation, and trigger staff cuts at small firms.
• Local officials and advocates describe Pflegegrad 1 as a low‑threshold first contact with the care system that helps people remain at home longer, urging broader reform over targeted cuts.