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The government is considering proposals under which children may be required to play a greater role in paying for the long-term care of their elderly parents, it has been reported.
According to the Guardian, the government announced in May that it would be launching a debate into the shape of care services in the future, with the cost expected to top £40 billion a year by 2041.
Under existing rules, those ineligible for NHS Continuing Care whose assets are greater than £22,500 are expected to meet the cost of their care themselves.
Nick Kirwan, head of health and protection insurance at the Association of British Insurers, told the Observer the government may be considering joint family responsibility as seen in other European countries.
"I have noted more references to families in the government's language when discussing how care should be paid for, which suggests it may be thinking of some kind of inter-generational contract," Mr Kirwan remarked.
The insurance industry needs to develop long-term care products that are "simpler, safer and more affordable", he said, adding that the issue of "risk-sharing" will need to be raised with the government.
Help the Aged reports the number of pensioners in poverty rose by 300,000 in 2006-07, which equates to 822 every day.
