Associate Health Minister, Casey Costello says the Ministerial Advisory Group’s (MAG) independent report on aged care has provided valuable insights to help guide future policy and funding decisions.
The Group was established to provide independent, expert advice to the Government about how New Zealand can address the challenges in aged care, particularly as the population grows and ages. It was asked to consider the funding model needed to support sustainable services, how costs could be reasonably shared between those receiving care and the Government, and how aged care services can better connect with wider health services.
The MAG’s report sets out a vision and 40 recommendations to develop an integrated aged care system.
Ms Costello said that the Government will consider the report’s recommendations carefully before making any policy and funding decisions.
“This is a significant issue which has a real impact on peoples’ lives, personal and government finances, the sector and the wider health system. We need to make the right decisions,” she said.
“We have directed the Ministry of Health to work with other agencies to develop advice for the Government on the recommendations, to support future policy and funding decisions to reform the aged care system.
“For too long, governments have kept kicking the aged care can down the road. This Government appointed the Group because we wanted ideas for reform.”
Minister Costello said the way aged care services are funded is outdated and does not recognise the future investment required.
“The current model is siloed and doesn’t deliver a cohesive system,” she said.
“The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has produced a substantial report that sets out its views on the change that would be required to create that system. I want to thank them for their work.”
