Elderly Care Plan Proposed in England & Wales
People in England and Wales could pay a one-off “inheritance levy” of up to £12,000 in return for free long-term carein their old age, under controversial government plans being drawn up to cope with the growing demands of an ageing population. The fee would either be deducted from the estates of older people when they die or paid on retirement. The aim is to replace a system that forces many pensioners to sell their family homes to fund massive nursing home bills.
Aides have tested the plan in focus groups and estimate that up to 80% of people would choose to opt into a state insurance system
Patricia Hewitt, the former health secretary, said the current system was an unfair lottery.
Gaby Hinsliff, Inheritance levy planned for long-term care of the elderly, Guardian, June 14, 2009.
Special thanks to Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this issue to my attention.