#Japan #Health Insurance #Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo #Employment Practices #MyNumber Card

Important Update on Health Insurance Card Transition

As we approach the deadline of July 31, 2026, the traditional health insurance card will be completely phased out, posing new challenges for HR departments across various organizations. The Japan-based Claire Human Resource Development Association has released a comprehensive video detailing the necessary steps organizations must take to adapt to this significant change.

Since the original health insurance card was formally abolished on December 1, 2025, a transitional period was established, extending the use of the previous card for up to one year to accommodate those who could not switch over in time. However, this grace period is coming to an end, leading to increased urgency among HR professionals to ensure their employees are ready for the transition.

Starting August 1, 2026, employees who do not possess or have not linked their MyNumber Card will be required to present a “Qualification Confirmation Document” when seeking medical care. Failure to do so will result in the inability to receive health insurance benefits.

Key Points for HR Departments

HR personnel should pay special attention to several critical factors ahead of the deadline:

• - If an employee changes jobs or relocates before July 31, their old health insurance card will become invalid at that time.
• - In cases of lost or damaged cards, organizations must promptly apply for the issuance of a new Qualification Confirmation Document, as reissuance of the old insurance card will not be possible.

Overview of the Webinar

To support corporations and media representatives, a summarization video has been released on YouTube. This resource provides a quick overview of the system and highlights vital information for HR professionals to grasp in a minimal amount of time.

Individual Consultation for Media and Businesses

The Claire Human Resource Development Association is also offering a dedicated Q&A session to address detailed inquiries that cannot be sufficiently covered in the video. This session will provide insights into specific cases and further background information on the transition process.

• - Date: August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Flexible scheduling for individual inquiries)
• - Format: Phone or online
• - Target Audience: Media representatives and HR personnel
• - Cost: Free
• - Registration: Contact the administration office at [email protected] for inquiries.

Common Questions Addressed

The following questions will be answered during the consultation:

• - What procedures must businesses complete regarding health insurance unions post-July 31?
• - How should organizations provide and distribute Qualification Confirmation Documents to employees lacking a MyNumber Card?
• - What recovery procedures should be taken if an employee loses their health insurance card before the July 31 deadline?
• - What precautions need to be taken if dependents of employees do not possess a MyNumber Card?
• - How will the health insurance verification process change for new hires moving forward?

About the Speaker

Jun Ono, a certified social insurance labor consultant, has delivered over 400 training sessions relating to labor issues in various corporations and educational institutions. He emphasizes practical lectures on how to implement laws effectively in the workplace and is also involved as a supervisor and instructor for the Employment Clean Planner qualification.

About Claire Human Resource Development Association

Established in 2023 as a group company of SA Co., the association focuses on qualification and training programs centered around employment, labor, and harassment prevention. To date, over 750 individuals have obtained the “Employment Clean Planner” certification, actively working across businesses, municipalities, and educational institutions.

For more information, visit our official website: Claire Human Resource Development Association