Health Minister Linnemann rejects SPD's call for a care cost cap

During a heated discussion on the upcoming Pflege reform, Health Minister Carsten Linnemann rejected the SPD's demand for a "Pflegedeckel" that would limit patients' own contributions. He estimated that the proposed cap would reduce costs by roughly 300 euros per individual, against an average personal share of up to 4,000 euros for those in care facilities. Linnemann said the government will first provide emergency assistance to ensure continued benefits and stable contribution rates, with deeper structural changes to be examined by a commission after the law is enacted in October.

He criticized the idea of negotiating such measures publicly, preferring closed-door talks, and reminded Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil that the care insurance had loaned the state five billion euros during the pandemic. The SPD remains opposed to any cuts and continues to push for a contribution ceiling and private-insurance participation, threatening to block the bill if its demands are not met.