60083 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health

60083 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health: Does the Minister agree with Claire Dale, Research Fellow, the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity (PIE) research hub, University of Auckland, that those whose assets exceed the threshold pay for their own residential care, increasingly in “care suites” and that these beds are only available to those who can afford the cost, which reduces what is available for subsidised residents, raising equity issues; if so, what, if anything will she do to address this?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that a clause within the Aged Residential Care Agreement aims to ensure that a bed is available locally for any individual that is unwilling or unable to pay for a premium bed. This has been in effect since 2014, and further details are available at: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/aged-residential-care/accommodation-premium-rules