On Thursday, 5 November 2026, from 9 a.m., the Bundestag holds the first reading of the bill reorganising long-term care insurance. The draft then goes to the Health Committee. Nothing has been decided yet.
Update 5 Nov 2026: The first reading has taken place; the draft is now with the health committee. An expert hearing is planned for 25 November, and according to trade media the Bundestag vote is planned for 11 December. Health Minister Linnemann indicated in the debate that changes would be made; what will change is still open. The Bundesrat will give an opinion in a first round on 20 November and deliberates finally after the Bundestag's decision.
What is planned for contributions: The general long-term care contribution rate is to stay at 3.6% in the coming years. Some people may still pay more: the draft provides for a higher surcharge for people without children (0.9 instead of 0.6 percentage points according to the cabinet draft, see our news from 23 Oct), a higher contribution ceiling in long-term care insurance, and changes to co-insurance of spouses and to minijobs.
New benefits: From care level 2 there is to be a local support budget for low-threshold help in your community, higher for families with children and young adults up to 25. There will also be a bridging budget if the caregiver drops out unexpectedly. The Bundestag has not yet given amounts.
What this means for you: Nothing yet – everything can still change before the vote. The long-term care contribution is the same at every insurer. You can only save on your health insurer's additional contribution; benefits differ, so compare contributions and benefits.
Source: German Bundestag, agenda 5 Nov 2026 · cash-online on the first reading · ZDFheute on the cabinet decision · ZDFheute: Linnemann promises improvements · Bundesrat, agenda 20.11.2026 (item 32)