Like the DAK, the Association of Replacement Funds NRW (VdEK) also expects an increase at the beginning of the year. “The funds for nursing care assume that financial resources in the first quarter of 2025 will amount to less than one month of spending. In this case, the federal government can increase the contribution rate by ordinance,” explained the “Rheinische Post” association. “Based on current data, ensuring system-wide solvency will likely require an increase in the contribution rate in early 2025.”
DAK CEO Andreas Storm made similar statements in early April. He spoke of the need to increase the contribution rate probably at the beginning of the year: “according to current calculations by approximately two tenths of the contribution rate.” The independent advisory board of the Stability Council also expects higher contributions to health insurance. The chairman of the advisory board, Thiess Büttner, recently predicted an increase in social security contributions of at least half a percentage point next year.
Lauerbach sees no possibility of reforming nursing care
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) made it clear on Monday that he no longer sees any possibility of reforming nursing care in this election period, despite the fact that the number of people in need of care is increasing enormously. The contribution rate is currently 3.4 percent of gross income and 4 percent for those without children. Employees and employers pay half the contribution, excluding the childless benefit, i.e. 1.7 percent each.