制度短板逐渐补齐，政策性长护险、商业长护险双双按下“加速键”

Core Viewpoint - The increasing aging population in China, with approximately 45 million elderly individuals suffering from disabilities or dementia, has led to a pressing need for long-term care insurance (LTCI) to alleviate the burden on families and provide a sustainable solution for elderly care [1][3]. Group 1: Policy Development - The promotion of long-term care insurance is accelerating, with both policy-based and commercial LTCI receiving supportive policies, marking a shift from pilot programs to systematic implementation [1][3]. - The policy-based LTCI, referred to as the "sixth insurance" in the social security system, aims to provide basic care and medical services for disabled individuals, significantly reducing the financial burden on their families [3][4]. - Since its pilot launch in 2016, nearly 190 million people have enrolled in policy-based LTCI, accumulating over 100 billion yuan in funds and spending more than 85 billion yuan [3]. Group 2: Service Standards and Regulations - The National Healthcare Security Administration has released a trial version of the "National Long-Term Care Insurance Service Project Directory," which specifies 36 basic service items covering daily care, professional nursing, and health management [4]. - The introduction of the service directory aims to standardize care services, enhance service quality, and ensure the rights of beneficiaries while stabilizing the LTCI fund's operation [4]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - The implementation of policy-based LTCI faces multiple challenges, including a shortage of professional caregivers, uneven distribution of care services, and a lack of a stable funding mechanism [6][7]. - Experts suggest that the government should establish a multi-tiered funding mechanism, integrating personal contributions, corporate support, and public donations to create a sustainable funding framework [7]. - There is a need for collaboration among health, civil affairs, and human resources departments to expand the professional caregiver workforce and improve service quality through training and support for community care initiatives [7]. Group 4: Market Opportunities for Commercial LTCI - The demand for long-term care services is projected to reach 3.1 trillion yuan by 2030 and nearly 6.6 trillion yuan by 2040, highlighting the growing market for commercial LTCI as a complement to policy-based insurance [7]. - Recent trends indicate a push for the development of commercial LTCI, with policies encouraging the integration of health insurance and management, as well as the expansion of service offerings [8]. - Insurance companies are advised to innovate products by expanding coverage for dementia and moderate disabilities, and to create a "cash + service" payment model to enhance product appeal [8].