ABSTRACT
In many European countries, access to care is based on the principle of solidarity. The basic understanding of solidarity is that everyone is assumed to make a fair contribution to a collectively organised insurance system that guarantees equal access to health and social care for all. The ageing population has led to increased pressure on solidarity in health and social care. This will be illustrated by the case of long-term care in the Netherlands where access to long-term care, including home care, has become more difficult and is increasingly based on strict assessment of need and contributions by family members.
