DGB calls on Rösler to just care reform

The German Trade Union Confederation DGB calls on Federal Minister of Health Philipp Rösler on socially just care reform

13/04/2011

Tomorrow the fourth Nursing Summit of the Federal Government will take place. On this occasion, the DGB again calls on the Federal Minister of Health Rösler to finance the increasing need for care in solidarity. Annelie Buntenbach, board member of DGB, said on Wednesday in Berlin:

„We urge the Federal Government to include dementia patients in the long-term care insurance with the upcoming care reform and to finance the inevitable cost increase in solidarity due to the ever growing need for care. In particular, we demand that employers continue to pay equal amounts in the future, that the basis of solidarity will be broadened, and that the burden will not be discharged on the insured alone.

The recommendations for the reform of the need for long-term care have been available for years. There is a broad consensus that all physical, mental and psychological impairments should be considered. It is now time for the federal government to act. However, the implementation of this reform can not be had for free. It would be a slap in the face of those in need of care and caregivers if the Federal Government would cut benefits elsewhere.

In view of the increasing need for care, a premium increase of up to 2.8 percent would be necessary in the short term. In order to finance the services as needed and at the same time keep the burdens on the contributors within narrow limits, we need solidary reforms. By compensating for private long-term care insurance, incorporating capital income, and providing an appropriate tax subsidy, the premium increase can be reduced by 0.45 contribution rate points and kept below 2.5 per cent by 2030.“ (Pm)