Overview

• Multiple outlets report that the abolition of Pflegegrad 1 is under consideration as a rapid savings measure, with no decision taken yet.
• About 860,000 to 863,000 people currently in Pflegegrad 1 receive a monthly €131 relief payment plus targeted supports such as home-adaptation grants and emergency call devices.
• RWI estimates potential savings of roughly €1.8 billion per year from scrapping the grade, compared with a reported 2026 funding gap of around €2 billion.
• The health ministry points to the Bund–Länder working group on care reform and says results cannot be preempted, with a first report expected by mid-October.
• Auditors have warned of larger deficits ahead, citing up to €3.5 billion lacking in 2026, while coalition figures signal that all consolidation options are being examined.