Establishing long-term care (LTC) benefits involves defining clear criteria for needs assessments, regularly revising packages based on evidence, and ensuring transparent administration to guarantee equitable access. Priority is given to activities of daily living in assessments, with consideration for the availability of informal caregivers. Beneficiaries with higher levels of need typically receive more extensive benefits. It’s imperative for policymakers and institutions to continually assess and adapt LTC benefit packages, considering available budgetary resources and evidence to inform decisions about including specific services and products.
The brief says that the process of establishing LTC benefits requires ongoing evaluation to maintain transparency and effectiveness. This includes reassessing needs and eligibility criteria, as well as regularly reviewing available evidence to inform decision-making about the inclusion of various services and products. This iterative approach ensures that LTC benefits remain responsive to evolving needs and resource constraints, ultimately promoting equitable access to high-quality care for older adults.