CDU social policy chief warns SPD proposals could strain care insurance finances

During coalition talks on reforming the statutory long-term care system, CDU deputy chair Karl-Josef Laumann expressed strong skepticism toward the SPD's proposals, labeling them as expensive. He highlighted the urgency of cutting costs to keep overall social insurance contributions from climbing. Laumann supported Health Minister Carsten Linnemann's upcoming cabinet bill aimed at preventing a looming deficit in the care insurance fund.

He also called for the repayment of pandemic assistance to the fund, arguing this would help offset needed savings. Regarding private insurers' participation in the statutory scheme, Laumann noted legal complexities and questioned whether it would undermine the dual insurance system. Finally, he called for better patient scheduling overall, including for privately insured patients, to improve efficiency in the healthcare system.