Eugen Brysch, executive director of the German Patient Protection Foundation, has called for the consolidation of statutory and private long-term care insurance to address financial shortfalls in the social care system. Speaking to the Rheinische Post, Brysch argued that the move would stabilize the sector for the next 15 years by leveraging private insurance reserves. “The merger is overdue,” he said, noting both systems offer identical benefits. “No one would lose coverage, but the social care system would gain financial flexibility.”
Brysch Proposes Merging Public and Private Long-Term Care Insurance in Germany
Financial Challenges in the Social Care System
The statutory long-term care insurance faces mounting deficits, exacerbated by rising costs for staff, materials, and an aging population. According to Brysch, the private sector holds over 40 billion euros in reserves, which could offset these shortfalls. “The social care system needs breathing room,” he stated, citing the urgency of the crisis.
Criticism of Federal and State Responsibility
Brysch placed blame on federal and state governments for the fiscal instability. He criticized Berlin for failing to repay a significant amount in pandemic-related loans and the black-red coalition for refusing to cover annual benefits for family caregivers. “The states are also shirking their duty by underfunding nursing home placements,” he added.
Broader Implications for Healthcare Policy
The proposal has reignited debates over cost distribution between federal and state governments, as well as the role of private insurance. Brysch emphasized that structural reforms, not temporary fixes like premium hikes, are needed. “This isn’t about ideology—it’s about sustainability,” he said.
Next Steps and Political Dynamics
The black-red coalition faces mounting pressure to address the crisis, with Brysch urging immediate action. While no official response has been announced, the debate underscores the tension between fiscal responsibility and social equity.
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