Japan Considers Boosting Support for Home-Based Medical Services

Last month, a Japanese government panel said the government should increase the amount it pays under the national health insurance program for home-based medical services. These services, such as remote consultations via video and home visits by doctors, are increasingly in demand as Japan’s population ages rapidly. A growing number of patients are expected to become unable to visit doctors’ offices and hospitals frequently. Japan’s health ministry estimates the number of people receiving home-based medical services will jump to 1 million by 2025 from about 650,000 in 2014.