Health Minister wants to secure pension rights for caregivers

Germany's new Health Minister, Carsten Linnemann, has voiced strong opposition to a proposal from his predecessor that would reduce pension entitlements for individuals caring for relatives. Linnemann stated his intention to prevent these cuts, emphasizing that he does not want to save money at the expense of caregivers' retirement benefits.

"I do not want to save on caregivers when it comes to pensions," Linnemann told 'Bild am Sonntag.' He considers the proposed signal "not right, and also for our society." The minister plans to advocate for amendments within the upcoming Caregiving Reform Act (Pflegeneuordnungsgesetz) to ensure that caregivers' pension points are fully preserved, without any deductions.

Linnemann indicated that he has heard similar sentiments from coalition parties SPD and CSU, as well as within his own CDU party. He also noted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz had addressed the issue in mid-July. "Therefore, I assume that this is a common concern," Linnemann added, suggesting broad political support for protecting caregivers' pensions.

His predecessor, Nina Warken, had proposed reducing pension contributions for informal caregivers, who currently receive up to 740 euros per month under certain conditions. Warken's draft suggested paying only 70 percent of the relevant pension amounts. Linnemann aims to overturn this specific point. He referred to those who care for others at home as "Germany's everyday heroes," highlighting that over three million of the approximately six million people in need of care in Germany are looked after at home. He warned that neglecting these individuals could lead to the collapse of the healthcare and care systems.