Japanese Health Insurance Reform Bill

The Japanese Health Insurance Reform Bill was enacted at the end of July 2002. This reform will shift healthcare cost burdens towards the active workers and the elderly. The main changes as a result of the bill are as follows:

  • Co-payment for medical services for active workers will increase from 20% to 30% of total fees beginning in April 2003.
  • Insurance premium rates for government controlled health insurance will increase from 7.5% to 8.2% in April 2003.
  • Co-payment for medical services for elderly people will be set at 10% of total fees beginning October 2002.