A Good Life in Old Age? Monitoring and Improving Quality in Long-Term Care,

Long-term care in Belgium is viewed as a health risk and institutional arrangements reflect a “medical model” of care delivery (as opposed to a welfare model). Belgium’s public health insurance system provides for comprehensive universal coverage for all cost associated with acquiring assistance for daily activities. This benefit applies to assistance provided both at home and in institutions, subject to a personal contribution. The health care insurance system is funded through a number of channels, which includes social security contributions or payroll taxes (57%), general direct taxation (37%) and out of pocket payments (6%) via co-payments and co-insurance fees. The federal allowances for the elderly and targeted social welfare benefits are financed through general taxation. The Flemish care insurance is financed through mandatory yearly contributions. Home help assistance is financed through general taxation and out-of-pocket payments.