Japan proposes new scoring system for disability employment support

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has proposed a new “score-based system” to revise the basic remuneration rules for Type B employment continuous support services. This proposal aims to move away from a system primarily based on average monthly wages to a more multifaceted evaluation.

The proposed scoring system would incorporate several key indicators, including average monthly wages, support hours, and the degree of disability of the users. This shift is intended to ensure that support for individuals with more severe disabilities is adequately compensated, addressing criticisms that the current wage-centric model fails to reflect the intensity of required care.

The Ministry of Finance has also advocated for the optimization of these remunerations, noting that facilities with shorter average usage times often show higher profit margins, suggesting potential overpayment. In addition to these metrics, the Ministry is considering evaluations of regional cooperation, individual support, and operational transparency. While the proposal has received support for its comprehensive approach, concerns have been raised regarding potential revenue decreases for service providers and operational disruptions during the transition.