Dutch Parliament Proposes State Commission for Elder Care Innovation

2025-07-03 community

The Hague, Thursday, 3 July 2025.
The Dutch Second Chamber recommends a state commission to address rising healthcare costs until 2040, focusing on elder care and drawing on global examples for sustainable planning.

Background of the Proposal

In a significant move, the Dutch Parliament, specifically the Second Chamber, has endorsed the creation of a robust State Commission devoted to elder care innovation. This initiative, as discussed in the ‘Hoofdlijnenakkoord Ouderenzorg,’ underscores the growing necessity to manage escalating healthcare costs, anticipated to continue until 2040. The announced recommendation seeks to establish a macro-budget that is task-binding, ensuring financial responsibility and accountability [1].

International Inspiration and Planning

One of the pivotal aspects of the proposal is to draw from international best practices concerning long-term healthcare plans. The Netherlands aims to integrate sustainable technologies and methodologies from around the globe to bolster its healthcare framework. This forward-thinking approach not only aims to tackle immediate budgetary concerns but also seeks to augment the efficiency and quality of care provided to the elderly population [2].

Structural Reforms in Healthcare

The proposed State Commission will be tasked with examining the existing Dutch healthcare system, providing key insights into potential structural reforms. A significant focus will be on differentiating responsibilities within the elder care system, harmonizing laws like the Wmo and Wlz while maintaining their independence. Furthermore, policies will be oriented towards securing public values such as quality, accessibility, and affordability [3][4].

Future Steps and Announcements

State Secretary Maeijer put forth the accord on 3 June 2025, outlining baseline agreements for the future of elder care. The signing of this framework is expected on 10 July 2025, though not all stakeholders have confirmed their participation yet, as connections to other agreements like AZWA are explored. Ongoing discussions and revisions continue, as stakeholders from diverse sectors share expertise and insights to refine the proposals [1][5].

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innovation elder care