The financial stability of Germany's care insurance system is under severe strain, with the DAK-Gesundheit forecasting a deficit of 1.65 billion euros for the current year, potentially escalating to 3.5 billion euros by 2026. This alarming projection underscores the pressing need for structural reforms and possibly higher contribution rates to sustain the system.

Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK-Gesundheit, has highlighted the inevitability of increasing contribution rates by at least 0.3 percentage points unless alternative financing solutions are found. Currently, members with one child are already contributing 3.6% of their gross income towards care insurance, a figure that may rise further without immediate action.

The DAK's assessment presents a more critical view of the financial situation than that of the GKV-Spitzenverband, which had previously estimated a deficit of around half a billion euros. This discrepancy in forecasts highlights the uncertainty and complexity surrounding the care insurance sector's financial health and the urgent need for consensus on reform measures.

Last year's deficit of 1.54 billion euros led to a 0.2 percentage point increase in contributions at the start of the year. With nearly 80% of the population supporting reforms to ensure the long-term viability of the care sector, the call for comprehensive structural changes is growing louder. The situation demands a collaborative approach to prevent further financial deterioration and ensure the system's sustainability for future generations.