Japan Considers Elderly Medical Cost Hile by 2028 to Address Aging Population
The Japanese government is evaluating the expansion of the pool of elderly people required to cover 30% of their medical expenses, as part of new measures adopted Friday to address the country’s aging population. Under the current public health insurance system, individuals aged 75 and older generally pay 10% of their medical treatment costs, with wealthier elderly residents already paying between 20% and 30%, depending on their income.
The proposed change, which could take effect by fiscal 2028, builds on the social security reform road map established last year. The shift aims to tackle rising healthcare costs amid a rapidly aging society.
Alongside financial reforms, the government plans to mitigate social isolation among elderly citizens, particularly those living alone, by promoting the creation of community spaces for them. The initiative seeks to prevent loneliness and its associated mental health impacts.
Additionally, measures will be expanded for elderly individuals without family support. This includes monitoring guarantor service providers to ensure they operate responsibly, minimizing potential conflicts between these businesses and their elderly clients.
While a Cabinet Office expert team recommended reviewing pension reductions for working retirees, specifically under the kо̄sei nenkin system, the newly adopted outline does not mention any changes. The kо̄sei nenkin pension supports corporate and government employees, supplementing their basic pension.
This policy outline, revised every five years, reflects medium- to long-term strategies for addressing Japan’s aging population, with the previous version released in 2018.
Source: Japan Times
