Have your say on the Big Care Debate

Former_MSE_Wendy

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] What's this about?[/title]
The government has written a report about its long term plan to create a 'National Care Service', to cover care and support for adults, and is looking for public opinion on its proposals. The care and support could be either in individuals' own homes or in a residential home (but not the rent or board in the latter's case).

At the moment most care is funded by the individual and anyone with assets over £23,000 is liable for costs, which could include having to sell a house or pay thousands. For example someone with Alzheimer’s could have to pay up to £200,000, although the average cost is around £30,000.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] What are the proposed funding options?[/title]
The government report lists three options into how care should be paid for so that it’s fair for everyone. The 3 proposals are:

Partnership: The responsibility for paying for care would be shared between the Government and the person who has care needs. The Government provides between a quarter and a third of the cost of care, more for people on a low income.

Insurance: The same as partnership but the Government could help people to prepare to meet the costs that they would have to pay for themselves, through an insurance-based approach. As well as receiving between a third and a quarter of the cost of care, the Government would make it easier for people to take out insurance to cover care costs. It is estimated that the cost of insurance could be around £20,000 to £25,000.

Comprehensive: Everyone who can afford it would pay into a state insurance scheme [at around the age of 65] meaning everyone who needs care will receive it free. It is estimated that the cost of being in the system could be between £17,000 and £20,000.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] How do you have your say?[/title]
Full details can be found on the www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk website but you can reply until 13 November via:

Post: Writing to Green Paper Team, Room 149, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS

Online: Leave a comment on the Careandsuport site or the CareandSupport Facebook group

Email: [EMAIL="careandsupport@dh.gsi.gov.uk"]careandsupport@dh.gsi.gov.uk[/EMAIL]

Leaflets: Some GP surgeries, pharmacies and other outlets have a leaflet with specific consultation questions which can be sent back to a freepost address. Let us know if you’ve spotted one of these.

We will try and submit forum posts to the department too, it should be possible as we were asked to help publicise it (and did it as we believe its a good debate) but it cannot be guaranteed.

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Former_MSE_Wendy

Mini bump to get a discussion going on the Disability and dosh board

This has also been posted on the Silver Savers board if you'd like to see the discussion over there follow this link.