Understanding Shanghai's Long-Term Elderly Care Insurance Pilot

Program Overview

Shanghai's long-term care insurance pilot program has benefitted about 186,000 elderly people, as reported by the Office of the China National Working Commission on Aging. As of November 2018, around 1,000 facilities have been certified as long-term care institutions in the city, with approximately 32,000 registered nursing personnel.

Shanghai was one of 15 cities selected for the insurance pilot program. The city first tested the program in three districts in 2017 before expanding it citywide in 2018.

Who Can Apply

Residents aged 60 and above who have joined pension schemes or medical insurance schemes can apply for long-term care at home, in a hospital, or at a nursing home, according to the revised measures for implementation of the long-term care insurance pilot program in Shanghai.

Applicants must pass certain evaluations. Those who are confirmed to be fully or partially unable to take care of themselves will receive services from assigned facilities, with costs covered by insurance schemes.

Coverage and Costs

For example, those who receive care at home will have 90 percent of the service cost covered by the insurance fund and pay the remaining 10 percent themselves.

As of the report, approximately 706 million yuan (about 105 million US dollars) in nursing costs has been paid by the program.

Public sources

• https://en.nhc.gov.cn/2019-03/19/c_74727.htm