The Japanese government is pushing for social security system reforms aimed at reducing the social insurance premium burden on the working generation while increasing out-of-pocket costs for medical and care services for the elderly.
According to the Asahi Shimbun on July 10, these measures are included in the draft of the "Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform," commonly known as the "Honebuto Policy," which the government plans to finalize at a cabinet meeting later this month.
The draft, which serves as a blueprint for Japan's budget planning and institutional reform, includes a goal to prevent the rise of insurance premium rates for the working generation and gradually lower them as part of social security reforms.
This marks a step forward from the "efforts to curb the burden of insurance premiums" that were included in last year's policy.
In particular, the adjustment of the burden, centered on the elderly, is notable.
The Japanese government has decided to consider a plan to increase the out-of-pocket medical expense ratio for those aged 70 and older based on their actual ability to pay, rather than age.
Currently, the out-of-pocket medical expense ratio is 30% for the working generation, 20% for those aged 70 to 74, and 10% for those aged 75 and older.
Regarding long-term care insurance for the elderly, the government also plans to expand the scope of individuals with "a certain level of income or higher" who are subject to a 20% out-of-pocket payment rate, with a final decision expected within this year.
(Photo: Yonhap News)