The Barmer health insurance company has reported a dramatic increase in the costs associated with long-term care insurance, necessitating a reform. The number of individuals requiring care in Bavaria has risen from 385,600 in 2017 to 626,500 in 2024—a staggering increase of 62%. Furthermore, the average duration of care needs has reached 6.03 years, as detailed in the latest Care Report from the Barmer health insurance. Such statistics paint a concerning picture of the increasing burden of care on the system.

Alfred Kindshofer, the regional director of Barmer in Munich, asserts that this surge in costs cannot solely be attributed to an aging society or a higher incidence of health issues among the population. Instead, he highlights that the primary factor driving this cost explosion is the new definition of care needs that has been in place since January 2017. This definition has substantially impacted how individuals are classified and how care is funded, leading to increased financial pressure on the insurance system.

Barmer's call for immediate reform underlines the urgency of addressing the long-term sustainability of care insurance in Germany. If left unaddressed, the increasing costs could have significant implications for both the healthcare system and the financial well-being of those requiring care. The situation demands a comprehensive review and possible restructuring to ensure better management of resources in the face of rising demands.