16.12.2024 Gabriele Strasser 16068

More money for care in the new year

From January 2025, all long-term care insurance benefits will increase by 4.5%. This continues the gradual implementation of the Care Support and Relief Act (PUEG). Another important change in the area of care is the new regulations on respite and short-term care. 

More money from long-term care insurance

On January 1, 2025, all long-term care insurance benefits will increase by 4.5 percent. This affects the following benefits, among others.

The contribution rate for long-term care insurance will be raised by 0.2 percentage points at the start of the new year.

Changes to respite care from January 2025

The following applies to respite care: From January 1, 2025, a benefit amount of up to 843 euros can be increased to a total of 2,528 euros per calendar year from funds not yet used for respite care. 

In addition, the following applies to children and young adults in need of care with care degree 4 or 5 up to the age of 25: The benefits for short-term care can be converted in full into benefits for respite care. In this case, the benefit amount is 3,539 euros.

New regulations on respite care and short-term care from July 2025

A joint annual amount for respite care and short-term care will be introduced on July 1, 2025. It amounts to a maximum of EUR 3,539 per calendar year and can be used flexibly for both respite and short-term care. This means that the previous rule that only a portion of short-term care benefits can be converted into respite care benefits will no longer apply.

Further innovations: The entitlement to respite care is extended from 6 to 8 weeks, and the pre-care period, i.e. the requirement that the caregiver must have cared for the person in need of care for 6 months prior to the initial incapacity, has been removed. However, it remains the case that the benefit entitlement for respite care is lower if the respite care is provided by persons who are related to the person in need of care up to the 2nd degree by blood or marriage or who live with the person in need of care in the same household and do not provide care on a professional basis. 

Higher benefits for subsidized residential groups

Benefits for subsidized residential groups will also be increased. The residential group allowance will be increased from 214 to 224 euros for all care levels. The start-up funding for the establishment of outpatient assisted living groups will increase to €2,613 per person in need of care from January 2025. The total amount per residential group is capped and will be 10,452 euros from January 2025.

Flat-rate benefit for the care of people with disabilities

People with disabilities in need of care who live and are cared for in institutions receive a flat-rate benefit. From January 1, 2025, this will be increased from €266 to €278 for care grades 2 to 5.

Old-age pension increases from July 2025

From July 1, 2025, the statutory old-age pension will increase by a uniform 3.5 percent in both eastern and western Germany. 

Electronic patient file (ePA) for all

From 2025, the roll-out of the "electronic patient file for all" ("ePA for all") will begin for around 73 million people with statutory health insurance. The health insurance funds will then provide their policyholders with an ePA without them having to do anything. Anyone who does not want this can object to it in full or in part. 

The ePA is intended to improve the exchange and use of health data between all healthcare providers and support patient care. Insured persons can manage and use their ePA themselves via the ePA app. 

The health insurance funds are currently writing to their policyholders about the "ePA for all". The letter also contains information on how to object.