Did you know that by combining different care services, you can not only increase the quality of care, but also reduce your financial burden?
In this blog article, you will learn everything you need to know about combination care, from the basic requirements to the benefits that this form of support offers you.
What is a combination benefit?
Combined services allow you to combine different forms of care in the best possible way to meet your individual care needs. This innovative solution requires that you receive both care allowance as well as care benefits in kind by a care service.
It is important that the level of care reflects the level of support required, as this forms the basis for the application. If you as the person affected or as a carer believe that the level of care no longer matches the level of care required, you can apply for a higher level of care. Find out more here!
When combining respite and short-term care, a care service can flexibly organize your care services so that you can always react to the current situation.
Persons in need of care who meet all the requirements and can provide suitable evidence that they are dependent on support in everyday life are entitled to combination care.
Definition and meaning of combination care
Combination services play a crucial role and offer a flexible solution to many of the challenges that older people face in everyday life. They allow seniors to access various services without having to worry about coordinating them. This is particularly important for those who may not have the energy or resources to manage their own care and support. The combination of different services ensures that seniors can remain in their familiar surroundings while receiving the help they need
Requirements for combination care
In order to be eligible for combination care, certain requirements must be met. First of all, the person in need of care must have at least care level 2 in order to be entitled to this combination of care allowance and care benefits in kind. Furthermore, it is important that the nursing care is provided by an approved service provider who provides the necessary services.
It is advisable to ensure that the benefits are optimally tailored to individual needs. In addition, the application process should be clear and comprehensible so that all the necessary evidence can be submitted. Close cooperation with the payer, usually the health insurance provider, ensures smooth payment. The flexibility of this service makes it possible to take advantage of support from relatives as well as professional help, which can significantly improve quality of life.
Legal basis
The legal framework for combination benefits is crucial for their implementation. In Germany, these benefits are regulated by the German Social Code (SGB), in particular SGB XI [mfn]SGB XI[/mfn], which concerns long-term care insurance.
It is important to know that senior citizens are entitled to combined benefits if they have a recognized degree of care have a recognized degree of care. This gives them access to financial resources and servicesthat are specifically tailored to their needs. There are also special regulations for respite care and the use of care services that can be integrated into these combined benefits.
Care allowance and care benefits in kind
The combination of care allowance and care benefits in kind gives you a wide range of options for optimizing your care.
The care allowance enables you to organize individual assistance during home care, while care services in kind provide professional support from a caregiver's approved care service. This synergy ensures needs-based care that takes into account both your personal preference and, in some cases, the necessary professional expertise. The prerequisite for this combined benefit is a recognized care level that defines your need for care.
When applying, it is important to submit all the necessary documents to ensure smooth payment. In addition, measures such as respite care or short-term care can be integrated into the combined benefit to provide additional relief. Ultimately, family caregivers and people in need of care in particular are entitled to these benefits, which contribute significantly to improving their quality of life.
The combined benefit allows you to receive both care allowance and the available care benefits in kind. The care insurance benefit is then paid out as a pro rata care allowance, offset against the benefits in kind used.
The advantages of combination care are clear: it offers flexibility, is free of charge and guarantees professional care.
Who is entitled to combination care?
Combined care is an integrative approach that includes both outpatient and inpatient services and is specifically tailored to the needs of people in need of care.
The following groups of people benefit from combination care:
- People in need of care: People with a recognized level of care who require support in various areas of life.
- Pregnant women and after a major operation: women who are pregnant due to pregnancy problems or recovery problems after a serious operation.
- Caring relatives: Relativeswho provide care and would like to be relieved of this burden. This can be done by professional outpatient services.
The prerequisite for this is that the necessary support is provided by both relatives and professional carers. The combination of respite services allows you to respond flexibly to your personal situation and receive the targeted support you need.
To apply for combination care, you must first contact your funding body. They will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your entitlements and the necessary services. The right combination of these services can not only improve your quality of life, but also reduce the burden on family carers. By combining different support services, you can create a tailor-made solution for better care
Step-by-step guide to applying for combined benefits:
- Checking the care level: Determine whether you have a care level. This is required in order to be able to apply for combined benefits. The care level is determined by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Fund (MDK) determines the level of care.
- Gather information: Find out about the combination benefits available and their advantages. These include respite services and other support tailored to your individual needs.
- Contacting the cost bearer: Contact your health insurance fund or the responsible cost bearer. Ask for the necessary documents and information on the combination benefits.
- Fill in the application form: Complete the application form for the combined benefits. Make sure you provide all the required information completely and correctly to avoid delays.
- Submit documents: Submit the completed application form together with the required evidence (e.g. care degree certificate) to your health insurance company. This can often be done both in paper form and digitally.
- Wait for confirmation of receipt: Wait for the confirmation of receipt of your application. You should receive this within a few days, which will give you the certainty that your application is being processed.
- Wait for approval: Once your application has been processed, you will receive a notice of approval. Make sure that all the benefits you have applied for are listed correctly.
- Claiming the benefits: Once you have been approved, you can claim the combined benefits in accordance with the specifications. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please contact your insurance provider at any time.
Payment and settlement
When claiming combined benefits, you should note that the payment date of the care allowance will change. Instead of the usual payment at the beginning of the month, you will receive the care allowance around six weeks later. This is because the long-term care insurance fund first waits for the care benefits in kind to be settled for the month and adjusts the long-term care allowance accordingly.
This delay should be taken into account in your financial planning. In addition, the combination benefit enables flexible and individual support tailored to your needs.
Combination benefit for different care levels
The combination benefit gives you the freedom to combine care allowance and care benefits in kind in flexible proportions. Detailed information on the exact effects on the different care levels can be found in the corresponding tables, which provide you with a clear overview of care allowance and care benefits in kind.
Combination benefit for care level 2
| Benefits in kind/ care allowance | Benefit in kind | Care allowance |
| 100 %/ 0 % | 796,00 € | 0,00 € |
| 80 %/ 20 % | 636,80 € | 69,40 € |
| 60 %/ 40 % | 477,60 € | 138,80 € |
| 40 %/ 60 % | 318,40 € | 208,20 € |
| 20 %/ 80 % | 159,20 € | 277,60 € |
| 0 %/ 100 % | 0,00 € | 347,00 € |
Combined benefit for care level 3
| Benefits in kind/ care allowance | Benefit in kind | Care allowance |
| 100 %/ 0 % | 1.497,00 € | 0,00 € |
| 80 %/ 20 % | 1.197,60 € | 119,80 € |
| 60 %/ 40 % | 889,00 € | 239,60 € |
| 40 %/ 60 % | 598,80 € | 359,40 € |
| 20 %/ 80 % | 299,40 € | 479,20 € |
| 0 %/ 100 % | 0,00 € | 599,00 € |
Combined benefit for care level 4
| Benefits in kind/ care allowance | Benefit in kind | Care allowance |
| 100 %/ 0 % | 1.859,00 € | 0,00 € |
| 80 %/ 20 % | 1.487,20 € | 160,00 € |
| 60 %/ 40 % | 1.115,40 € | 320,00 € |
| 40 %/ 60 % | 743,60 € | 480,00 € |
| 20 %/ 80 % | 371,80 € | 640,00 € |
| 0 %/ 100 % | 0,00 € | 800,00 € |
Combination benefit care level 5
| Benefits in kind/ care allowance | Benefit in kind | Care allowance |
| 100 %/ 0 % | 2.299,00 € | 0,00 € |
| 80 %/ 20 % | 1.833,20 € | 198,00 € |
| 60 %/ 40 % | 1.379,40 € | 396,00 € |
| 40 %/ 60 % | 919,60 € | 594,00 € |
| 20 %/ 80 % | 459,80 € | 792,00 € |
| 0 %/ 100 % | 0,00 € | 990,00 € |
Advantages of combination care
Combination care allows you to combine different services in the best possible way and thus ensure more comprehensive care. By combining care allowance and care benefits in kind, you can respond to your individual needs and organize your care requirements more flexibly.
This not only gives you a higher quality of life, but also targeted support in everyday life. In order to be eligible, you must have an appropriate care level that takes your individual situation into account. You also benefit from the option of taking advantage of respite and short-term care, which provides additional relief for family caregivers.
This flexibility in the range of services ensures that you receive exactly the support you need. If you are entitled to combination care, the wide range of options available will help you to shape your care process. Take advantage of these benefits to optimize your individual care situation and feel well looked after all round.
