Resource

Securing access to long-term care without hardship as an integral part of universal social protection systems

  • English
Lou Tessier; Yuta Momose, Universal Social Protection, ILO
2024
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Summary

This brief presents the role of universal social protection in securing access to long-term care (LTC). Effective LTC financing strategies include dedicated schemes, top-up pension benefits, expansion of disability benefits, and integration within social health protection packages. Defining a comprehensive benefits package and ensuring financial protection are crucial, with international standards recommending minimal copayments to avoid hardship. High out-of-pocket payments can impoverish older adults and erode insufficient pensions.

Addressing knowledge gaps is vital for evidence-based policies, especially for low- and middle-income countries, as most data on LTC pertains to high-income nations. Ensuring universal health coverage and extending social health protection, particularly for groups most affected by climate change, is urgently needed.

Policy brief 544 Old-age , Social health protection
20.05.2024