Self-funded retirees will be asked to pay more out of their own savings for their aged care under a deal set to be struck between Labor and the Coalition that will chart a new course for the care of older Australians. Source: The Australian.
Legislation implementing the changes has been largely agreed upon between the parties and, barring last-minute politics, could be put to Parliament as early as Thursday.
The new laws would see wealthier older Australians privately funding more of their daily living expenses while in aged care.
Those not drawing a government pension would pay more for nursing home rooms, meals and everyday living costs such as cleaning, while those receiving in-home care packages would contribute more of their own money for services such as home maintenance and gardening.
The new aged care bill is the Albanese Government’s response to a number of elements of the aged care royal commission, and to its own taskforce that examined the financial sustainability of a beleaguered sector in which currently half of all nursing homes are operating at a loss.
It is expected to come into force from July next year but, under grandfathering arrangements, existing nursing home residents are understood to be exempt from the changes.
For home care, the greater co-contributions are not expected to come into effect for a further two years to allow for a transition.
Negotiations between Labor and the Coalition over the legislation have been taking place since early this year, with advocates and peak bodies urging it be prioritised as the sector struggles with low investment and a lagging stock currently not on track to keep up with future demand.
While Labor was hopeful the concession would see the Coalition give its long-awaited support for the Government’s legislation, Opposition aged care spokeswoman, senator Anne Ruston, last night said the Coalition still had not finalised its position.
Providers and advocates for older Australians have been pressing for the changes to be pushed through parliament, saying more funds need to flow into the sector to improve the standard of care.
FULL STORY
Self-funded retirees to pay more for aged-care services (By Stephen Lunn and Sarah Ison, The Australian)
