A long-term care insurance scheme, similar in nature to other social insurance systems in Germany (pension, employment and health insurance), was introduced by the German Parliament in 1994. 2 All employees earning less than the social security earnings ceiling (Pflichtversicherungsgrenze) for the German social insurance system (3, euros per month in 2006) are members of this system. Contributions are paid equally by employers and employees and are calculated from gross income up to a social security contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) which is fixed every year. Employees who are not covered by the social insurance system (. civil-servants, self-employed etc.) are usually.
