The use of individual number card (My Number card) as a health insurance certificate starts in March 2021. Following are the merits and the procedure of using My Number card as a health insurance certificate. (The information is as of February 2021.)
1. Merits of using My Number card as a health insurance certificate
Medical facilities or pharmacies where My Number card can be used will indicate as such with stickers and posters. By scanning the My Number card and entering the passcode, the person’s identity and health insurance data will be confirmed.
One of the greatest merits of using My Number card as a health insurance certificate is the simplification of the application procedure of high-cost medical care benefits. Since the procedure can be done online by using My Number card, patients receiving high-cost medical care will no loger have to reclaim the benefit after paying the expense or to issue a certificate of individual limit of the expenses. Previously, such patients had to pay the amount exceeding the individual limit at hospitals and reclaim later.
Since the National Tax Agency’s e-Tax system is linked with the My Number “Myna” portal, there will be no need to keep medical receipts to file tax returns either.
2. Usage
To start using the My Number card as a health insurance certificate, an application is required through the Myna portal. No procedure is required for companies in this regard. Please note that you can also continue using your health insurance card after March 2021.
As it stands now, not all hospitals or pharmacies will be ready to process My Number card as a health insurance certificate by March 2021. The government aims to complete the introduction of the system at all medical facilities by March 2023.
The government also plans to extend the use of My Number card in various other fields in the future. Companies should keep up with latest information to be able to provide adequate explanation to their employees as needed.
[Reference]
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website
https://www.soumu.go.jp/kojinbango_card/
English
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000510925.pdf
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website (Japanese only)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_08277.html
