Japan Health Insurance Association, or Kyokai Kempo (hereinafter, “the Association,”) asks companies to conduct a regular check if insured individuals’ dependent families continue to satisfy that criteria. This year, the list for checking the dependent families’ status will be sent to companies from the end of October to early November. This article explains about recent situation and key points in checking dependent families’ status.
[1] Purpose of check and the result of fiscal 2022 check
Dependent families of insured individuals can receive certain insurance benefits without paying premiums. If people who do not satisfy the criteria remain as dependents, the Association’s medial spendings, including those for elderly medical care, become unnecessarily high, leading to an increase in premiums. Annual reconfirmation of dependent families is conducted to prevent such a situation.
In the fiscal 2022 check, roughly 78,000 people were disqualified (as of March 31, 2023). As a result, the medical cost for early-stage elderly has been reduced by approximately 900 million yen, according to the Association. The most common reason for disqualification was the failure to report the loss of dependent status to the Japan Pension Service after becoming employed and insured on their own.
[2] Key points in conducting status check
Based on the list from the Association, companies need to check whether their employees’ dependent families are qualified orally or in writing.
In the case a dependent family member is not living with an insured employee, the employee must submit documents to prove that the family member is receiving the employee’s financial support and the amount (*). Specifically, a copy of passbook in the case of bank transfer, or a copy of registered mail if cash is being sent can be used. If a copy of passbook is submitted, the employee may black out unrelated areas.
*These documents are not required if the family member is a student.
The deadline of this year is December 8, 2023. Please start checking early, since some employees might need to prepare documents to prove their family members qualification.
[Reference]
Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kempo)
“To business owners and members about dependent qualification reconfirmation in 2023”
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/event/cat590/info230816/
“Thank you for your cooperation for reconfirmation of dependent qualification to business owners and members in 2022”
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/event/cat590/20230606/
The content is based on laws and regulations as of the date of this article.
