Ministerial Advisory Group report on aged care released

Ryman Healthcare (Ryman) welcomes the release of the independent Ministerial Advisory Group report on aged care funding and reform in New Zealand. The detailed report contains a range of recommendations relating to the future funding and delivery of aged care services in New Zealand. The report incorporates a number of design elements from Australia’s recently enacted aged care funding reforms and includes: • Near-term funding uplifts to support sustainability and stabilise the aged care sector • A split-funding model across care, daily living and accommodation costs, with the Government funding most clinical care costs and greater means testing of daily living and accommodation costs • Evidence-based pricing, supported by the establishment of an independent pricing authority • Differentiated funding settings, designed to incentivise the development of new aged care capacity for Government-subsidised residents • An integrated system with a national case-mix framework spanning residential aged care, in-home care, and broader health and social services. The Government is now considering the recommendations and has not yet confirmed its policy response. Ryman Chief Executive Officer Naomi James said the release of the report was an important milestone in the Government's consideration of future aged care reform. “As part of the wider health system, aged care providers play a crucial role in supporting hospital capacity, improving patient flow and ensuring older New Zealanders can access the right care, at the right time, in the right place. We look forward to Government’s response to this important work.” The full Ministerial Advisory Group Report on Aged Care in New Zealand is available here: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/a-place-to-grow-old-securing-the-future-of-aged-care