Long-term care (LTC) reform in Slovenia has been on the policy agenda since the 2000s. Historically, LTC has been the joint, or rather, shifting responsibility of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities and service provision and financing are fragmented. Recently, there have been several efforts to streamline LTC functions, including a new Directorate at MoH in 2016 to develop, coordinate and implement an overarching LTC Act, though this was ultimately downgraded to a Service. The need for universal systemic reform of LTC was underlined by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In December 2021, after some delay, the new Act on LTC was adopted by Parliament, and includes a framework for financing, service provision and training for new staff. The enactment of the new law in the nursing homes is expected from 1 January 2023 and the launch of the new financing scheme from 1 January 2024. With financing only slated to start in 2024, Slovenia’s LTC is currently in an intermediary situation with the system depending on financial resources of the past. With the Minister of Health being the vice-president of the biggest political party in Slovenia, LTC remains a priority, with another Service for Long Term Care established.