Long-term care financing: decisions about population coverage of long-term care

Overview

Countries take a universal or selective approach, or some mix of the two, in identifying the population that will be covered under LTC programmes. Decisions are based on the economic and social contexts, and LTC is designed with consideration of the existing infrastructure for delivering health and social care. Universal approaches are grounded in the principle of ensuring equal access to health and social care. Selective approaches focus on those in greatest need, primarily those who are low-income. While selective approaches are perceived to cost less, the total costs may be offset by the high cost of implementing means-testing to identify beneficiaries.