The bill to partially amend the Health Insurance Act and related laws was enacted in May this year, setting out measures to make medical insurance contributions and benefits more equitable. Specific amendments include expanded childcare support and the introduction of an annual cap under the high-cost medical expense benefit system.
The medical insurance-related amendments enacted on 29 May 2026 set out a policy of containing rising contributions for the working-age population while maintaining the system for all generations. Specific measures include a review of drug benefits and reduced insurance premiums for households raising children.
Under Japan’s universal health insurance system, medical insurance coverage is divided into 5 groups: municipal National Health Insurance, the Japan Health Insurance Association, Society-Managed Health Insurance, Mutual Aid Associations and the Medical Care System for Older Adults. The article presents differences among the groups in terms of those covered, enrollee numbers and average age, and introduces the characteristics and actual conditions of each insurer.
Point-of-service copayment rates are determined based on age and income. The categories presented include 2% before entry into elementary school, 3% from then through age 69 and 1% for people aged 75 and over. The article also explains that, under the sickness and injury allowance system, approximately two-thirds of salary is paid for up to 1 year and 6 months during an extended leave of absence.
The amendments aim to make contributions and benefits more equitable, with emphasis placed on measures such as reviewing benefits for over-the-counter drugs and reducing insurance premiums for households raising children. From the perspective of preserving the system, the measures are intended to improve the perceived fairness of the burden on the working-age population.