The fiscal cost of aging: the case of Belgium

Jean-Jacques Hallaert

Public Administration and Policy: An Asia-Pacific Journal, 2025, vol. 28, issue 1, 48-66

Abstract: Purpose - Belgium faces a fiscal consolidation challenge at a time when the fiscal cost of aging is mounting. This article documents the magnitude of the fiscal cost of aging focusing on pensions and healthcare. It also discusses policy that can mitigate the cost of aging. Design/methodology/approach - The article assesses the cost of aging based on a critical synthesis of literature and simulations. It discusses policies that could contain the increase in the cost of aging, while preserving the adequacy of pension and the outcome of health spending. Findings - Pension spending will increase fast unless a combination of measures related to pension generosity and retirement eligibility are implemented. Potential efficiency gains are large in the healthcare sector and could absorb part of the fiscal and reorganization costs related to aging. Originality/value - This article considers the need for pension and healthcare reforms from the fiscal point of view.

Keywords: Belgium; Aging; Fiscal cost of aging; Pensions; Healthcare (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:pappps:pap-01-2024-0016

DOI: 10.1108/PAP-01-2024-0016

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