Core Viewpoint - The implementation of long-term care insurance (LTCI) is essential in addressing the challenges posed by an aging population and the increasing number of disabled elderly individuals in China, as highlighted in the recent Central Economic Work Conference [1][4]. Group 1: Importance of Long-Term Care Insurance - LTCI is crucial for alleviating the pressure on families caused by aging and disability risks, particularly for the elderly population [2]. - 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 220 million aged 65 and above, representing 15.6% [1]. - The number of disabled elderly individuals is currently around 35 million, which is 11.6% of the total elderly population, and is expected to rise to 46 million by 2035 [3]. Group 2: Policy Developments and Coverage - As of July this year, the LTCI system has covered 190 million people, with expenditures exceeding 85 billion yuan [4]. - The National Healthcare Security Administration has introduced a trial service project directory for LTCI, outlining 36 service items [4]. - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes the promotion of LTCI and the establishment of a care system for disabled and cognitively impaired elderly individuals [4]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Economic Impact - Experts predict that the period from 2025 to 2027 may witness significant growth in the elderly care industry and the silver economy [6]. - The comprehensive implementation of LTCI is seen as a key measure for building a more complete pension security system, which could also stimulate the silver economy [5].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation plan aims to enhance the quality and capacity of elderly care services, particularly focusing on the needs of disabled elderly individuals, ensuring their welfare and support [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Measures - The plan includes specific reforms to strengthen the care and support system for disabled elderly individuals, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as low-income and high-age elderly are adequately protected [2]. - By 2027, the proportion of nursing beds in elderly care institutions is expected to reach no less than 68%, with differentiated subsidies for ordinary and nursing beds [2]. - The plan promotes the integration of smart technology in elderly care, enhancing service delivery through community-based care facilities that offer day care and short-term respite services [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Support and Sustainability - A funding mechanism for disabled elderly care will be established, along with improvements to the welfare subsidy system for this demographic [2]. - The plan emphasizes the need for a multi-tiered pension insurance system, including a long-term care insurance scheme to enable more disabled elderly individuals to access care services [2][4]. - Policies will be introduced to ensure the sustainability of elderly care services, including a comprehensive assessment system for elderly individuals and the establishment of service standards [4]. Group 3: Workforce Development - There will be an increased focus on training and retaining elderly care workers, with policies aimed at enhancing job attractiveness through income distribution, performance evaluation, and professional recognition [3]. - Support for family caregivers will be provided through training programs, encouraging family involvement in the care of disabled elderly individuals [3]. - The development of volunteer services for the elderly will be promoted, engaging younger elderly individuals in providing care [3].

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]