New Care System Aims to Support Ageing Population

China has launched a nationwide long-term care insurance system to support elderly people with disabilities, strengthening social protection as the country’s ageing population grows.

“Bathing, haircuts, eating, dressing changes, these are no longer distant hopes for those confined to a sickbed, but rather bedside, accessible, attentive care,” said Wang Wenjun, Deputy Head of the National Healthcare Security Administration.

The system builds on pilot programmes launched in 2016 and aims to create a unified national framework within three years, ensuring equal access to care for both urban and rural residents. It will provide services or financial support to people with disabilities for six months or more, funded through contributions from employers, individuals, and government subsidies at around 0.3%. By 2035, China’s population aged 60 and over is projected to reach 400 million, underscoring the scale of demand the system is designed to address. The reform also seeks to narrow long-standing gaps in healthcare access between rural and urban areas, improving the quality of life for millions of families while easing the burden of care.