Long-Term Care Financing in Switzerland

Switzerland is a federal State with three levels of government: federal, 26 cantons and about 2600 municipalities. It counts nearly 8 million inhabitants (Table 15.1). In 1996, health insurance was made compulsory for all residents. The goal of this social health insurance is to enable universal coverage while providing freedom of choice in regard to insurance company and, to some extent, health care providers. The basket of covered services is determined at the federal level and cantons are in charge of ensuring a sufficient supply of health care services, including long-term care (LTC). The scope of services covered by social health insurance is large for acute and post-acute care, while it is partial for LTC.