What is Long-Term Care Insurance?

With the oldest population in the world, Japan must decide how to care for its helpless elderly - one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century.
It being nearly impossible for each individual family to take care of their elderly by themselves.
Long-Term Care Insurance tries to provide healthcare services in the same way that the national insurance system provides medical care.
The system became effective in April 2000.
Those being insured, the citizens, pay premiums to the insurer, the local government, making it possible for care facilities to provide services to those in need.
The program is directed to those 65 and older, but anybody between 40 and 64 who is in need of care may also be eligible.
When care is needed and a request is made to the local government, an investigation is conducted and, if the request is approved, the care services begin.