One of the main purposes of the original Agreement is the elimination of dual coverage and tax liability under the social security systems of the United States and Germany.  In accordance with this objective, workers who are sent from the United States to Germany for a temporary assignment are exempted, under specified conditions, from coverage and contributions under the German old-age, survivors and disability insurance system.  Under paragraph 5(e) of the Final Protocol to the Agreement, as added by the Second Supplementary Agreement, workers who are exempt from German coverage and contributions will also be exempt from coverage and contributions under the German sickness insurance program, as well as the program of long-term nursing care that became effective in Germany in 1995.