THE government has announced a 7.7% increase to the weekly benefit rates payable under the Long-Term Care Scheme.
The increase, which will take effect from January, is in addition to the 2023 uprate of 12%, representing an increase in Long Term Care benefit funding of just over 20% since December 2022.
The Long-Term Care Scheme provides financial support to Jersey residents who need long-term care for the rest of their life, either at home or in a care home.
The scheme is designed to meet the cost of care up to a maximum level, which varies with an individual’s care needs, and is funded by contributions from all income taxpayers.
As part of last year’s “unprecedented” 12% increase, ministers also committed to undertake a review of the Island’s homecare market.
The independent review was carried out by LaingBuisson, and gave all providers in the homecare sector an opportunity to discuss and explain their costs, charges and business models, with all data being reported anonymously.
The government expects to receive the independently produced report in the next few weeks.
This will form the basis of a restructure of the calculation of homecare package costs and how they are paid from the Long-Term Care Fund, as the government looks to “move towards a more sustainable and equitable domiciliary care market”.
Resulting changes will be implemented in the first half of 2024.
Social Security Minister Elaine Millar described the increase as “an important step in ensuring the scheme remains both sustainable and equitable”.
Health Minister Karen Wilson said the uplift demonstrated that the government “continues to support the vital services the sector provides to Islanders”.
