The emergence and management of chronic illness takes place within the everyday lives of those affected. For this reason, community health care is becoming increasingly important as a distinct policy area. The various instruments developed in Germany, such as the Public Health Service (Öffentlicher Gesundheitsdienst - ÖGD), health and care conferences, and health-related neighborhood work, are inadequately equipped in terms of their capacity to act. Primary care holds particular significance at the municipal level and must be understood broadly, especially in light of the highly individual care needs of people with chronic illnesses. The instruments and institutions of community-based health care must be specifically strengthened to address the needs of people with chronic illnesses in particular.