未来十年老年人口净增1亿，长护险全国铺开进入倒计时|长护险扩围探路

Core Insights - The long-term care insurance (LTCI) system in China is crucial for addressing the increasing demand for care services due to the rapid aging population, with the number of individuals aged 60 and above expected to rise from 300 million to 400 million in the next decade [1][2] Group 1: Aging Population Statistics - By the end of 2024, the population aged 60 and above in China is projected to reach 310 million, accounting for 22% of the total population, with those aged 65 and above reaching 220 million, or 15.6% [2] - The elderly population is expected to grow by over 20 million annually starting from 2022, with projections indicating that by 2035, the population aged 60 and above will exceed 400 million, representing over 30% of the total population [2][3] Group 2: Long-Term Care Insurance Development - The LTCI system, referred to as the "sixth social insurance," aims to provide essential support for the elderly, complementing existing systems like pension and medical insurance [8] - As of 2023, the number of participants in the LTCI pilot program has increased to approximately 183 million, with 1.34 million individuals receiving benefits [8] - The LTCI fund reported revenues of 24.36 billion yuan and expenditures of 11.86 billion yuan in 2023, indicating a growing financial base for the program [8][13] Group 3: Service Provider Shortage - There is a significant shortage of care service personnel, with only 302,800 caregivers available for the growing number of beneficiaries, highlighting a critical gap in service provision [9] - The number of designated LTCI service institutions has increased from 4,845 in 2020 to 8,080 in 2023, but the growth rate of service providers is lagging behind the demand for care services [9] Group 4: Policy and Future Directions - The Chinese government is accelerating the establishment of a nationwide LTCI system, with a focus on creating a unified policy framework that covers all citizens [1][18] - Experts emphasize the urgency of finalizing the LTCI system to ensure that all disabled elderly individuals can access necessary care services, as current pilot programs only cover about 5.8% of the demand [18]