A Study on a Model of Prospective Care Management System Aligning with Current National Long-term Care Insurance(NLTCI) Policy for Elders

Abstract

This study explores a care management system model in National LTC Insurance(NLTCI). Current Korean NLTCI has shown several problems without the care management system for last four years, particularly regarding service quality, monitoring and utilization. In the first section, this article diagnoses the current problems without care management in the NLTCI. Those problems includes the lack of coordination among LTC services, medical services and welfare services. The fragmentation between social care and LTCI services are also derived from the lack of care management. In the second section, this study discusses five components of the care management system based on the LTC policies in some OECD countries; assessment system, case loads, employer of care managers, care management models, and the influence of care managers to the service providers. Lastly, the study discusses the model of a care management system to fit for current NLTCI. Under the NLTCI, the care management system can better play by the partnership among NHI, local governments, and key-service providers. The conclusion of this study suggests several alternatives and implications of care management to National Long-term Care Insurance in Korea.