Developing long-term care insurance in China: A review of structure, impact and future directions

Abstract

Since 2016, China has established long-term care insurance (LTCI) in the form of pilot projects that now extend to almost 50 cities. The need for long-term care is likely to increase significantly. This article looks at initial studies undertaken in a range of cities on the impact of the LTCI pilots on health and the use of health care, on income, poverty and consumption, informal care and labour force participation. It reviews policy assessments that have identified gaps and challenge in the provision of LTCI. The article concludes with possible next steps in developing LTCI in China drawing on national and international experiences.