Province Introduces New Approach to Funding Long-term Care

HEALTH--Province Introduces New Approach to Funding Long-term Care

Nova Scotians requiring long-term care services will no longer have to pay health-care costs after Jan. 1, 2005. The details of government's new approach to funding long-term care were outlined by Health Minister Angus MacIsaac today, Nov. 9.

Government's commitment to take over the health-care costs for residents in long-term care was first announced in 2003 with the release of the Your Health Matters plan for improved health care. In the 2004-05 budget, the government pledged to implement the new approach on Jan. 1, 2005.

"Independence, fairness, equity, and choice are what Nova Scotia's new approach to funding long-term care services are built on," said Mr. MacIsaac. "We have made long-term care more financially accessible and have improved other aspects of the program in response to the ideas and concerns we have heard from residents and their families, seniors' groups and other Nova Scotians."

This initiative will cost an additional $45 million each year and affects 144 facilities, including nursing homes, residential care facilities, and community-based options.

The province is making significant changes in four key areas:
funding approach, financial assessment process, special needs, and respite care. More information can be found on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs .

The approach will be available to most people who apply for long- term care after Jan. 1 and to residents who currently pay for their full cost of care (less $12.75 per day subsidy established by the government in 2003-04). Those who qualify for funding from the federal government(i.e. Veterans Affairs) or Workers' Compensation Board will continue to be covered by those groups.

About 80 per cent of today's residents have their cost of care fully or partially funded by the Department of Health. These individuals will have a choice to opt for the new approach to funding and long-term care services or to continue under the current funding arrangement.

"We recognize that many of our current residents have used their assets to pay for their care and have become accustomed to current practices," said Mr. MacIsaac. "This government felt strongly that it should give these residents a choice -- and the time and information to make the choice that is good for their personal situation. It is the right thing to do."

At any one time there are about 6,600 residents in long-term care across Nova Scotia. The department receives about 2,200 new applications each year. The department's 2004-05 budget for long- term care services is about $246 million.