Contributions to long term care insurance could increase | TIME ONLINE

Berlin / Münster (dpa) – Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn does not rule out increasing the contribution of long-term care insurance more than expected.

Nursing funds considered an increase of 0.5 percentage points of contribution rate on 1 January 2019 for necessary, the politician CDU declared the "Westfälische Nachrichten". "I think this magnitude is realistic."

Spahn had only announced in mid-June that the rate was to be raised on 1 January by 0.3 percentage points. At present, it represents 2.55% of gross income, compared to 2.8% for people without children.

The German Foundation for Patient Protection does not believe in a further increase. The Board of Trustees Eugen Brysch stated that Spahn has so far presented no conclusive concept for care of the elderly. It is not true that spending is increasing, even though we still do not know where "the trip should go".

"There is a high degree of acceptance of excessive spending in care across generations," said Spahn to the newspaper. "However, I am also advertising to my colleague Hubertus Heil for taking advantage of existing savings opportunities in unemployment insurance because we do not want to increase the overall payroll."

The head of the CSU national group, Alexander Dobrindt, had recently proposed, in the face of increased tax revenue, to reduce the contribution to unemployment insurance by 0.5 to 0.6 point. Volker Kauder ( CDU ), leader of the trade union faction, said that he considered a reduction of 0.6% possible.

Federal Labor Minister Heil announced that he wants to reduce the contribution to 1 January 2019 by 0.3 point to 2.7%. "I can also imagine more, like what we add another 0.1% temporary," said the SPD politician now the newspapers of the "New Berlin editorial society" (Saturday). But only "if the Union does not oppose my qualification offensive". With this, Heil wants to further promote continuing education.

The FDP strongly criticized Spahn's considerations. Now let the cat out of the bag: "Health care contributions will increase almost twice, threatening social security contributions to exceed the 40% limit," said FDP Deputy Chair Michael Theurer.

The GKV-Spitzenverband said: "The best care for the needy costs their price." The spokesman of the federation, Florian Lanz, told the German news agency, but it would be correct, "in addition to the discussion on the increase of contributions on the introduction of 39, a federal grant for thought of long-term care. " As a result, the increase in contribution could be mitigated and funding for care could be spread over more shoulders.