The Turkish government is preparing to introduce long-term care insurance for the elderly to ensure the sustainability of the social security system and to meet the needs of the rapidly ageing population.
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the population over the age of 65, which was 7.5m in 2019, reached 9.1m by 2024. While the proportion of the elderly in the total population exceeds 10%, this rate is expected to rise in the coming years.
The government indicated that in the proposed long-term care insurance scheme, care costs will be balanced without becoming a financial burden on the elderly. It will ensure the participation of the public and private sectors in the scheme, according to local media reports. The government will also subsidise the premiums payable for the insurance.
Individuals will be able to purchase care insurance for themselves or their family members. This insurance will cover old-age home care services or nursing home expenses.
Priority
The government will prioritise the new insurance system in all strategies, including the Medium Term Programme and Development Plan.
The state currently provides home care assistance to approximately 535,000 people. However, this support is provided only in the form of cash assistance to the family member who undertakes the care.
Deputy minister of Family and Social Services Sevim Sayim Madak said before the Grand National Assembly that the care insurance system is nearing completion. Details are being clarified in studies carried out under the coordination of the President’s Strategy and Budget Directorate in cooperation with the relevant ministries.