TV personality Beat Takeshi (ビートたけし) proposed during a television program that Japan's insurance premium system should vary according to income. During the discussion, he referred to issues facing the current insurance system.
TV personality Beat Takeshi (ビートたけし) appeared on TV Asahi's "Beat Takeshi's TV Tackle" and gave his personal view on Japan's insurance premium system. The program discussed the current state of healthcare and insurance, and Takeshi proposed that insurance premiums should vary according to income.
The program addressed issues facing the healthcare sector, including hospitals operating at a loss and deficiencies in testing systems. Takeshi referred to the fact that some medical treatment is not covered by insurance and said that higher-income people should bear a greater share of the cost by paying somewhat higher premiums when they use hospitals.
His specific argument on the program was that current insurance coverage remains at a minimum level and that it would be appropriate to increase the burden on high-income earners. The article does not detail the views for or against the proposal, but indicates an intention to prompt reconsideration of the insurance system.
The remarks were covered in connection with social issues including the aging of the healthcare system and the growing burden on medical facilities. The article indicates that attention will be paid to future developments concerning the structure of insurance premiums and the distribution of healthcare costs associated with an aging population.