Care - Own contributions for care recipients in nursing homes rise significantly
Despite increased supplements, the self-pay share for care-dependent individuals in Thuringian homes has significantly increased. As of July 1, the monthly self-payment was 2,649 Euro from their own pockets - 312 Euro more than in the middle of 2023, according to an analysis by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds. Starting from the fourth year, the self-payment on average rose to 1,681 Euro per month - 133 Euro more than on July 1, 2023, as the data shows, which is available to the German Press Agency.
Below the federal average
Thus, Thuringia remained below the federal average of 2,871 Euro (plus 211 Euro) in the first year and 1,865 Euro (plus 91 Euro) from the fourth year. The highest co-payment was in Baden-Württemberg (3,180 Euro respectively 1,982 Euro), the lowest in Sachsen-Anhalt (2,373 Euro respectively 1,457 Euro).
Contribution for care and education
The contribution for pure care and supervision is included in the amounts. The pension insurance only covers - unlike the health insurance - a part of the costs. For female and male residents in the home, there are additional costs for accommodation, food, and investments in the facilities. Education costs, which are also passed on by the homes, were included in the evaluation for the first time on July 1. This item was also included in the comparison values for July 1, 2023, as explained.
Higher supplements
Since 2022, in addition to payments from the care insurance, there have been relief supplements, which were increased as part of the coalition reform on January 1, 2024. The self-payment for pure care will therefore amount to 15% instead of the previous 5% in the first year in the home, 30% instead of 25% in the second year, 50% instead of 45% in the third year, and 75% instead of 70% from the fourth year. The reason for the increasing self-payment is mainly higher personnel costs for caregivers.
The analysis was based on wage settlements between care insurance funds and homes in all federal states. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds includes approximately the Techniker Health Insurance, Barmer, and DAK Health.
- Despite the higher supplements and relief supplements, the own contribution for people in need of care in Thuringian homes continues to exceed 2,649 Euro per month, as reported by the German Press Agency.
- The increased self-payment share for care-dependent individuals in Thuringia is a concern for many people, as the costs for education and facility investments are also added to their own contribution, as mentioned in the analysis by the German Press Agency.
- In comparison to other federal states, Thuringia's self-payment for care-dependent individuals remains low, with only 2,649 Euro in the first year and 1,681 Euro from the fourth year, according to data from the German Press Agency, but still a significant burden for people in need of care in Erfurt and other cities in Thuringia.
