The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, has set out terms of reference for the Commission on the Funding of Care and Support.
The Commission will look at various funding options, including voluntary insurance and partnership schemes that are aimed at addressing the needs of an ageing population. It is to be chaired by economist and broadcaster Andrew Dilnot, who is principal of St Hugh’s College, Oxford; former health minister Lord Norman Warner and acting chair of the Care Quality Commission and former Mencap chief executive Dame Jo Williams.
Specifically, the Commission will endeavour to investigate and recommend the best way to meet care and support costs between individuals and the state; how individuals can protect assets against the cost of care and the issue of public funding for the care and support system.
Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health at the Association of British Insurers, said: “The insurance sector has a key role to play in the funding of long-term care and UK insurers stand ready to play their part in tackling this fundamental issue for the future of the country.”