Recommendations for the formulation of the Nursing Care Insurance Law

In Israel, old-age pensions for men aged greater than or equal to 70 years and women aged greater than or equal to 65 years are provided by the National Insurance Institute. A supplementary allowance is given when the pension is the sole income. However, in 1980 these benefits were recognized as insufficient in cases of functional incapacity, so a change in the existing National Insurance Law was considered necessary. A national committee was appointed to formulate the Nursing Care Insurance Law, which would extend the activities of the National Insurance Institute. Monies were to be allocated for personal care, home maintenance, assistance to families and community services. Home care was considered preferable to institutionalization for psychological and social reasons; however, institutionalization was recognized as necessary when home care is no longer feasible in cases of total dependence and illness. Regional Committees and a Central National Committee will be established for planning and supervision. Government surveys were used to determine the percentage of the aged needing help, according to which the overall budget is to be calculated. The Nursing Care Insurance Law was passed in 1983, but so far no agreement has been reached concerning the distribution of monies.