Rising Elderly Care Needs Highlight Urgent Reform for German Care Insurance

Care dependency in Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is surging, with costs and care durations increasing significantly.

• The number of care-dependent individuals in Bavaria is projected to reach one million by 2060, up from 590,000 in 2023, according to Barmer's latest report.
• In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the number of people receiving care services reached a record high of 139,872 in 2023, nearly doubling since 2013.
• The average out-of-pocket cost for a full-time care home in Bavaria rose by 53% since 2018, reaching €2,699 per month in 2023.
• Barmer's analysis shows that the duration of care dependency is increasing, with current patients requiring care for an average of 7.5 years compared to 3.9 years for those recently deceased.
• Barmer has called for reforms, including limiting care costs for individuals and introducing a tax-funded care leave for family caregivers, who currently provide care for over 80% of patients.

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