This is, as always, so much more complicated than the questions asked. So I would ask some more:
1. Why isn't "care" paid for under the NHS?
2. If we have to pay "hotel" charges when in care why are they not charged to everyone using the NHS?
Of course pensioners do pay "hotel" charges if they are in hospital for more than 6 weeks when, I believe, their state pension stops. I may be out of date about this information but I can remember my father, who was in hospital a lot for medical conditions, being terrified that he would be kept in for more than that length of time.*
3. What is the split in costs for "care" and "hotel charges"?
Edited to say: I thought I had better check that as it is some time ago. I don't think I listened carefully enough or it was just my father's fears. You may loose some additional benefits - such as Attendance Allowance but it does
not affect your pension. I hope I haven't frightened anyone