Japan Ministry of Health faces criticism over medical cost reforms

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is facing scrutiny regarding the revision of high-cost medical expense systems and elderly healthcare burdens. During a House of Councillors budget committee session, officials confirmed that approximately 5,300 public comments submitted between June and July—the majority of which opposed increasing out-of-pocket limits—did not result in any changes to the proposed amendments.

Experts suggest the issue stems from the timing of the public comment period, noting that policies are difficult to alter once budgets are finalized. Under the current administration, increases to monthly payment caps for certain income brackets have already begun, with further hikes scheduled for August 2027.

Simultaneously, discussions have commenced within the Social Security Council regarding the medical cost burdens for citizens aged 70 and older. Proposed reforms include raising age thresholds for current 10% and 20% co-payment tiers, revising income criteria to expand the number of people paying 20% or 30%, or introducing more granular tiers such as 15% or 25%. The government aims to establish a reform roadmap by the end of the year, targeting a completed restructuring by approximately 2040.