Overview
- Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno said the government will reach a conclusion next fiscal year on proposals to raise out-of-pocket payments for patients aged 70 and over.
- Ueno clarified that no decision will be made this year, aligning the timeline with the ruling coalition’s plan to finalize an outline by the end of the current fiscal year.
- The health ministry has tabled options that include lifting the upper age threshold for the standard 30% co-pay to 70 and over, creating a 25% bracket, and revising the income level that triggers the 30% rate for those with earnings comparable to working-age adults.
- Officials emphasized protecting older patients from excessive costs as they refine the policy design over the coming months.
- Separate insurance changes under consideration this year include raising the outpatient cap in the high-cost medical expense scheme for those 70 and over and narrowing coverage for OTC-like drugs.