#Japan #Tokyo #Senior Care #Health Insurance #Sugawara Yuichi

Survey Shows Lack of Awareness Regarding Health Insurance

In recent months, a significant transition within health insurance policies has taken place in Japan, especially affecting the citizens enrolled in the National Health Insurance and the Late-stage Elderly Medical System. Driven by the trend towards integrating health insurance cards with Japan’s My Number system, concerns regarding awareness and understanding of new regulations have come to the forefront.

Study Overview

A survey conducted between August 1 and August 4, 2025, aimed to assess the awareness of health insurance card expiration dates and the accompanying qualification confirmation documents. Conducted by Yuichi Sugawara, a tax advisor who runs the popular YouTube channel, "Datsu - Tax Consultant Sugawara-kun," the survey sought responses from over 300 national health insurance members and 88 late-stage elderly medical system members, highlighting crucial gaps in public knowledge.

The method leveraged online platforms, and the results raised serious questions regarding effective communication about health insurance policies among the Old-age population in particular.

Key Findings

The survey revealed startling statistics:

• - Approximately 26.3% of National Health Insurance enrollees were unaware of the expiration date of their insurance cards.
• - 13.6% of late-stage elderly participants also lacked knowledge regarding the usage limits of their health insurance cards.
• - Furthermore, 35.7% of National Health Insurance recipients reported not having received the qualification confirmation document, while 28.7% were unsure about its receipt.

These findings indicate an alarming lack of awareness, particularly amidst critical transitions in health insurance regulations.

Importance of Qualification Confirmation Document

The qualification confirmation document plays a vital role for those without a My Number health insurance card, allowing them to access necessary medical services. Valid for up to five years, this document is issued by the government to eligible individuals, yet awareness of its role and distribution remains low as per survey responses.

When asked about their awareness of their own health insurance card expiration, only 57.7% of National Health Insurance participants responded affirmatively. 42.3% reported they did not know their card’s validity date. In discussing health insurance coverage, many could face issues related to expiration, thereby emphasizing the urgent need for improved information dissemination and education among citizens.

Potential Reasons for Awareness Gaps

Several factors contribute to low recognition of health insurance policies and procedures:

• - Recent Policy Changes: With the discontinuation of new health insurance card issuances effective December 2, 2024, many citizens may feel lost among the evolving dynamics of the transitioning system.
• - Public Distrust: Many citizens express concerns about data security surrounding the My Number system, contributing to a reluctance to utilize the new health insurance mechanism.
• - Practicality of Qualification Confirmation Documents: Many still view the traditional qualification confirmation as more practical and reliable compared to the electronic counterparts, thus hesitating to transition fully.

Yuichi Sugawara's Insights

Sugawara highlights the necessity for agencies to ramp up communication about health insurance policies and reinforce the importance of the qualification confirmation document. He aims to address the widespread confusion and strive for greater public understanding of essential health services.

"We must tackle the confusion stemming from these changes directly and ensure people know they have access to quality health services without uncertainty," Sugawara stated in a recent interview.

Conclusion

As Japan progresses through significant healthcare reform, the disparities in knowledge about health insurance cards present a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Moving forward, enhancing public education and communication about health insurance policies will be vital in ensuring that the elderly population, as well as the general public, can navigate these changes effectively.

For anyone unsure about their health insurance details, contacting local health department offices or accessing online resources can provide clarity and support needed to ensure uninterrupted access to crucial healthcare services.