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China's policy experimentation on long‐term care insurance: Implications for access

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  • Yumei Zhu
  • August Österle

Abstract

China's population is aging rapidly, while the traditional long‐term care (LTC) system that heavily relies on families is eroding. In response, China has embarked on a journey of policy experimentation for long‐term care insurance (LTCI) since 2016, launching LTCI pilots in 15 pioneer cities. These pilots have a great diversity in participation, eligibility, and provision. This paper estimates the prevalence of LTC needs and analyzes the impact of the LTCI pilots on access. Although substantial progress has been achieved, the overall coverage of LTCI is still relatively small, and a large proportion of vulnerable people needing LTC seem to be left behind because of the strict eligibility criteria. This analysis suggests that future policy experimentation on LTCI reform in China needs to address the following pressing policy issues: expanding the coverage of LTCI; narrowing rural–urban disparities in access; improving access for vulnerable subpopulations; and reducing the heavy reliance on institutional care.

Suggested Citation

  • Yumei Zhu & August Österle, 2019. "China's policy experimentation on long‐term care insurance: Implications for access," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 1661-1674, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:34:y:2019:i:4:p:e1661-e1674
    DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2879
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luo, Yanan & Yuan, Kexin & Li, Yuxiao & Liu, Yating & Pan, Yao, 2024. "The “spillover effect” of long-term care insurance in China on spouses’ health and well-being," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    2. repec:wly:hlthec:v:33:y:2024:i:12:p:2778-2797 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Liangwen Zhang & Sijia Fu & Ya Fang, 2020. "Prediction the Contribution Rate of Long-Term Care Insurance for the Aged in China Based on the Balance of Supply and Demand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Wang, Qun & Abiiro, Gilbert Abotisem & Yang, Jin & Li, Peng & De Allegri, Manuela, 2021. "Preferences for long-term care insurance in China: Results from a discrete choice experiment," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
    5. Kun Wang & Yongjian Ke & Shankar Sankaran & Bo Xia, 2021. "Problems in the home and community‐based long‐term care for the elderly in China: A content analysis of news coverage," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(5), pages 1727-1741, September.

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