From December 2024, paper insurance cards will be phased out and new ones will no longer be issued. Although the government is promoting the integration of insurance cards for Mya, there still seems to be concern among medical professionals and users alike.
■There are still voices of concern…the number of Myna insurance card users is increasing
“Suito Dental Clinic” in Ama City, Aichi Prefecture. What the patient presented at the counter was his “Maina Health Insurance Card.” You can also use your My Number Card as your health insurance card.
At this clinic, the number of people using Myna insurance cards was one or two a day a few months ago, but recently the number has increased to more than five people a day.
A 78-year-old man:
“I hardly ever use a (traditional) insurance card. I use a minor’s insurance card.”
There are still concerns.
A 71-year-old man:
“(I use) a paper health insurance card. I’ve heard that there are problems with mini health insurance cards, and there are problems with accepting the card itself. Wouldn’t it be better if you could use both? , instead of deciding which one of them.”
■ Confusion to be expected…New paper insurance cards will cease to be issued on December 2.
The government is promoting the unification of insurance cards in minority insurance cards, and from December 2, 2024, traditional paper insurance cards will be discontinued and new ones will no longer be issued.
On November 12th, Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party submitted a bill to extend the deadline for issuing traditional insurance cards, but the government has said that there will be no change in its policy to end them on December 2nd.
Even if you do not have a minor’s insurance card, a “certificate of eligibility” will be issued instead of the traditional insurance card, but confusion at medical institutions is expected.
Shohei Sugito Director of Sugito Dental Clinic:
“I think there will be an increase in administrative work. There are many cases where we have to do different things, for example to investigate with the health insurance union etc. because we can’t confirm a patient’s qualifications, or ask the patient if their name doesn’t come out right.” Because yes.”
It is said that there were some problems at first, such as not being able to read the mini insurance card, which people are not used to yet.
And Director Sugito is worried about July 2025. Many people who enroll in the National Health Insurance or Medical Care System for the Elderly are reaching the expiration date of their insurance cards.
Do Sugito:
“It would be too quick for the clinic to see a sudden increase in the number of people using it, so I think it would be desirable for the clinic to see a gradual increase over five to 10 years.”
■ Advantages and disadvantages of pharmacies and dispensing users
At a prescription pharmacy that prescribes medicine…
Koji Ohashi, managing pharmacist at Oshima Pharmacy:
“You will be able to see what medications you are receiving from other medical institutions or pharmacies, so you can check to make sure you are not taking any medications.”
Currently, approximately 20% of all patients in this pharmacy use Myna Health Insurance Cards for identity verification.
In the future, the system will be able to track what medicines have been dispensed in other pharmacies, allowing for smoother prescriptions, but opinions are mixed.
Mr. Ohashi:
“If a patient loses their (MynaCard), it takes time to reissue it, so they may not be able to use it until it is reissued.”
User:
“You just have to get used to it. If other hospitals are registered with My Number cards, it will be easier to ask questions if the pharmacist knows.”
Another user:
“With a normal insurance card, you only have to do it once a month, but with this you have to agree to ‘provide medical information’ every time, which is a definite hassle.”
There is only half a month left until the traditional insurance card is abolished, and it seems that people’s understanding of the minor’s card is still lagging behind.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Health Insurance Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this important discussion on the upcoming changes to Japan’s health insurance system. With us today is Dr. Shohei Sugito, director of the Sugito Dental Clinic, who has been closely observing the shift from traditional paper insurance cards to the Myna health insurance cards. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sugito.
Dr. Sugito: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this vital topic.
Editor: As of December 2, 2024, traditional paper health insurance cards will no longer be issued. What does this mean for patients and healthcare providers?
Dr. Sugito: It signifies a major transition in how health insurance is managed in Japan. Patients will need to rely on the Myna health insurance card or a “certificate of eligibility.” While this aims for better integration and efficiency, there’s considerable apprehension about how this will unfold in practice.
Editor: We’ve heard mixed reactions among patients. Some have adapted to using Myna cards, while others express concerns. Can you shed light on the current sentiment you’re seeing in your clinic?
Dr. Sugito: Absolutely. In our clinic, we initially saw only one or two patients using Myna cards each day. That number has grown to over five recently, indicating some progress. However, I’ve encountered many older patients who still prefer their traditional cards. For instance, I spoke with a 71-year-old gentleman who expressed worries about issues with card acceptance. This confusion may hinder power integration.
Editor: That’s quite revealing. As you mentioned, there’s anxiety surrounding the acceptance of these new cards. What administrative challenges do healthcare providers like yourself anticipate as this transition takes place?
Dr. Sugito: We anticipate a significant increase in administrative work. If there’s a discrepancy or if we can’t confirm a patient’s eligibility, we often need to contact health insurance unions for clarification, which can be time-consuming. Moreover, the initial problems with reading Myna cards can lead to further delays and dissatisfaction among patients.
Editor: It sounds like there is much to be concerned about. There has been a legislative attempt to push back the deadline for phasing out traditional cards. What are your thoughts on this move, and do you think there’s a possibility it could influence the current policy?
Dr. Sugito: While I appreciate the efforts of lawmakers to extend the deadline, the government seems resolute in their decision to move forward. This could leave many patients unprepared for the transition, particularly when the expiration date of their insurance cards approaches in July 2025. The speed of this change may overwhelm both patients and clinics alike.
Editor: You make a compelling point. It appears that educating the public about these changes is crucial. What measures could be put in place to facilitate this transition for patients who may not be tech-savvy or familiar with the Myna card system?
Dr. Sugito: Education will be key. Healthcare providers can play a role by offering informational sessions and materials to explain the new system. Furthermore, hospitals and clinics should ensure staff are trained to assist patients unfamiliar with the Myna cards, and government campaigns could help to raise awareness about the impending changes.
Editor: That’s sensible. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to patients who are anxious about the upcoming changes?
Dr. Sugito: I would advise patients to start familiarizing themselves with the Myna cards and to keep open communication with their healthcare providers. Understanding the process is essential for a smooth transition. And don’t hesitate to ask questions—healthcare providers are here to help navigate this change.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sugito, for this informative discussion. It’s clear that while the integration of health insurance cards aims for a streamlined system, we must address the accompanying challenges to ensure a smooth transition for all users.
Dr. Sugito: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep discussing and addressing these issues as they arise.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, and we’ll keep you posted on the developments regarding Japan’s health insurance reforms.
