Kirwans’Claire Currie discusses the proposals for care service reform

THE Government has made some inroads into the reform of care home fees, with the release of their Green Paper on care services. But some further consideration is needed.

There are three suggested models: a part-funded “purchase” option, a voluntary insurance scheme or a compulsory insurance plan.

The voluntary model appears to be the most feasible, allowing individuals to choose how much they want to prepare for the possibility of care home fees. It expands on the purchase model, whereby the state will pay some of the care and support fees and allow insurance to cover any additional costs.

By contrast, the comprehensive model requires everyone over retirement age to pay into an insurance scheme.

But shouldn’t people have a choice whether they decide to pay into a plan they may never need?

The reforms do not go far enough. They only cover care and support costs, but omit care home accommodation fees. Surely a voluntary insurance scheme could include these rates to allow people to completely cover the cost of care.

The final decision on these proposals won’t be until 2010. There may be an election in the meantime, which could ultimately mean none of these reforms come into force.