Dutch government to slash €88 million from disability care despite sector warnings
State Secretary Vicky Maeijer is moving forward with a controversial annual 88 million euros cut to the Dutch disability care sector, drawing fierce criticism from the industry. The decision, outlined in a letter obtained by RTL Nieuws, reignites a plan initially introduced under the previous cabinet.
The cuts will reduce the maximum rates for specific treatments in disability care, starting in 2026. Maeijer wrote in the letter that the reduction is “necessary in the light of sustainable public finances.”
The plan had been shelved because the issue was declared controversial after the collapse of the Rutte IV government, meaning no action could be taken on it until a new administration formed. Maeijer has now adopted the measure.
According to the Dutch Disability Care Association (VGN), which represents disability care providers, the decision will severely impact the sector's ability to provide adequate services. Director Theo van Uum warned that the cuts translate to the loss of around 1,500 workers responsible for treatment, care, and support.
“This is incredibly painful,” Van Uum told RTL. “Care organizations are already under heavy financial pressure. Some are having to divert funds meant for building maintenance just to stay operational.”
He added that the cuts may force organizations to reduce or eliminate treatments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or support services. The VGN called the government's decision “irresponsible and unacceptable.”
Van Uum also warned that the timing of the announcement could not be worse. The healthcare sector is already suffering from a major staffing shortage, with a deficit of 8,400 workers last year. Forecasts suggest that number could climb to 32,000 by 2033.
“The government is making the wrong choice,” Van Uum told RTL. “On the one hand, it’s halving the mandatory deductible to make healthcare more accessible, and on the other, it’s making care harder to reach for the people who need it most.”
He stressed that those with the most intensive care needs will be disproportionately affected and expects waitlists to grow even longer. “Try explaining that to families who’ve already been waiting a long time for a spot in an institution for their disabled child.”
Maeijer’s letter also allegedly revealed that the cuts are not limited to disability care. Starting next year, the government will reduce spending on elderly care by 260 million euros, with the cut expected to increase to 400 million euros annually by 2030.
In a separate letter, Maeijer said she had reached an agreement with representatives of elderly care providers. This so-called “Hoofdlijnenakkoord Ouderenzorg,” or Framework Agreement on Elderly Care, outlines the financial framework for these reductions. She intends to send the agreement to the Tweede Kamer soon.
