Summary (English)

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.