ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with test the care market model (CMM) by assessing whether the three conditions for that model can be implemented. The three conditions are: a universal long-term care system; standardized content of care according to care recipients' conditions; and no price competition. The chapter argues that each condition is fulfilled by the Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) market in Japan. This work will contribute to the empirical implementability of the CMM. A unique feature of the LTCI in Japan is the exclusion of price competition. The evidence confirms that the Japanese LTCI meets the three conditions of the CMM, but the research also highlights the importance of access to care quality information in ensuring the operation of the LTCI system. The chapter examines the possible long-term care market outside of the LTCI scheme in Japan. It discusses the necessity for transparency in the dissemination of information regarding the quality of care associated with all care providers in the market.
