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失能的老人疲惫的子女,长护险终于来了!
经济观察报·2025-09-27 05:07

Core Viewpoint - The long-term care insurance (LTCI) system in China is transitioning from local trials to a nationwide framework, significantly impacting family welfare related to elderly care and disability support [1][5][14]. Group 1: Implementation and Coverage - The LTCI system is set to cover more individuals, with a clear timeline for nationwide implementation by the end of 2025, as indicated by various local governments [5][10]. - As of September 2023, the National Medical Insurance Administration has issued a trial service project catalog, refining the scope of LTCI coverage [6][24]. - The LTCI is designed to provide basic life care and medical services for long-term disabled individuals, similar to other social insurance systems [4][14]. Group 2: Financial Structure and Contributions - The funding mechanism for LTCI involves contributions from individuals, employers, medical insurance funds, and local government finances, aiming to create a sustainable support network for the elderly and disabled [7][19]. - The contribution rates for LTCI are expected to be lower than other social insurance programs, with a proposed rate around 0.3% [18][19]. - In trial cities, the personal contribution is relatively low, with examples showing annual contributions ranging from 100 to 200 yuan, depending on local policies [19][21]. Group 3: Benefits and Services - Families with disabled members can receive monthly subsidies ranging from 800 to 1700 yuan, depending on the level of care required [23][24]. - The LTCI system includes a variety of services such as home care, rehabilitation support, and specialized medical assistance, which are crucial for families facing caregiving challenges [23][24]. - The introduction of home care services is expected to alleviate the burden on families, as seen in the case of a family benefiting from these services [3][12]. Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite the progress, the LTCI system faces challenges in meeting the growing demand for care services due to the increasing elderly population, projected to exceed 20% by 2032 [13][15]. - The slow rollout of the LTCI system has been attributed to funding difficulties and inconsistent standards across regions [15][18]. - Future developments will focus on expanding coverage to include unemployed urban and rural residents, with a gradual increase in contribution rates over the next five years [20][21].