To address the rapidly graying population coupled with low birth rates in Japan, the Japanese Parliament is hiking out of pocket health expenditure for those aged 75 and above subject to a minimum income of 2 million yen.
The plan will require people over 75 living alone with an annual income of ¥2 million or more to shoulder 20% of the fees from fiscal 2022 while the government invests on fertility treatments.
The income threshold of ¥2 million will be set on a single-member family basis. For two-member households in which both are 75 or older, the income threshold will be ¥3.2 million. About 3.7 million people are expected to be subject to the increase in costs.
“We will curb the growing burden on working generations” and create a social security system that is fair to all, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a related meeting.
Treatment such as in vitro fertilization, micro insemination and male fertility treatment will be covered by public health insurance under the government plan.
For more details read the original Japan Times article here.
Image Credits: The National News
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