A cap that fits: the 'capped cost plus' model

Author:
LLOYD James
Publisher:
Strategic Society Centre
Publication year:
2013
Pagination:
76
Place of publication:
London

The government has committed to implementing reform of care funding in England in April 2016. However, detailed analysis of the ‘capped cost’ reforms suggests they are unlikely to meet any of their objectives. Consequently, people’s care costs will not be capped; and a market in pre-funded care insurance is unlikely to emerge. Rather than providing peace of mind to the population, annual increases in the ‘cap’ may insttead cause worry and concern. With less than three years until the reforms are due to be implemented, this report examines in detail the issues facing the ‘capped cost’ model’ and identifies the options for policymakers to fix these problems. The report concludes by assembling a range of options into an alternative package of measures that could be implemented in April 2016: the ‘capped cost plus’ model. The model comprises: a ‘cap’ on the assessed care costs that individuals are expected to pay for out of their own pockets; changes to means testing thresholds and the financial support individuals receive, proportional to their level of wealth; and a standardised expected contribution by individuals to ‘living costs’ in residential care. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
older people, social care, residential care, costs, policy;
Location(s):
England
Link:
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