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In actuality, the supplemental payments during a resident’s initial two years in the facility provide no tangible relief, hence the criticism.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin To mitigate the escalating supplementary payments for long-term care, initial financial aid will be implemented in the new year. In addition to existing nursing care fund disbursements, residents will now receive a supplemental allowance, escalating with the duration of their care. The personal contribution for direct care is slated to diminish by 5 percent in the first year, 25 percent in the second, 45 percent in the third, and 70 percent from the fourth year onward.
This adjustment addresses the fact that, unlike health insurance, long-term care insurance only partially covers expenses. Nursing home residents also bear costs for accommodation, meals, and facility upgrades.
The German Foundation for Patient Protection voiced concerns that the January 1st changes might lead to setbacks and dissatisfaction among the 820,000 residents. Eugen Brysch, a board member, warned of the need for meticulous review of already-issued January statements.
During the initial year of residency, long-term care insurance will now cover 5 percent of direct care costs. This equates to an average monthly reduction of 44 euros from the total monthly cost, which, according to July 1st data from the Association of Substitute Health Insurance Funds, averaged 2125 euros.
