Abstract
Examines “commissioner-provider” relations in the provision and delivery of aged care services, drawing on experiences from Europe where most countries have moved away from public provision of long-term care services to engaging private sector providers for market-based solutions—guided by the so-called New Public Management framework—discussing the implications of these international experiences for China, where policymakers have come to realize the government needs to shift its role from a direct supplier and provider of aged care services to a purchaser and regulator of services provided increasingly by the private sector. Given the rising number of people in need, China’s long-term care sector faces great challenges requiring joint efforts and cooperation among the national government, local authorities, providers, and families. The design of a comprehensive national long-term care system will help improve conditions for a large number of impaired elderly, ensure access for the less affluent, and keep costs at an acceptable level.