The Japan Health Insurance Association (hereinafter, “Association Kenpo”) reconfirms that insured workers’ dependent family members continue to satisfy the requirements (hereinafter, “reconfirmation”) annually. This year, the dependents list for the reconfirmation will be sent to companies between the end of October to early November. This article looks at points to the reconfirmation of dependents.
[1] Purpose of reconfirmation and status of FY2023
Insured workers’ dependents can receive benefits of the insurance program to a certain extent. If family members who no longer satisfy requirements continue to hold the status, the Association Kenpo will have to pay additional medical expenses or elderly benefits, resulting in unnecessary increase in insurance premiums. Reconfirmation is conducted to prevent such a situation.
In FY2023, approximately 71,000 people were removed from dependent lists (as of March 31, 2024). The Association Kenpo reports the removal has contributed to reducing the amount of benefits for the elderly aged 65-74 by roughly one billion yen. The most common reason for being removed from the dependent list was “the person has become employed with health insurance on their own, but the change in status has not been reported to the Association Kenpo.”
[2] Important points when making the reconfirmation paper
Based on the status list sent by the Association Kenpo, companies need to conduct reconfirmation by asking insured employees verbally or in writing whether their dependent family members satisfy the requirements.
In the case a dependent lives separately from the insured employee, documents that probe that the employee regularly sends money to support the dependent and the amounts (*) must be provided. Specifically, a copy of bankbook or registered mail, depending on whether the money is transferred to a bank account or sent by a registered mail. When submitting a copy of bankbook, areas that are not related may be blacked out.
*This process can be omitted if the dependent is a student.
In November 2023, the Labor Ministry has announced the measure to support workers facing the so-called, “annual income barriers.” By submitting employers’ confirmation that work hours have increased only temporarily because of a personnel shortage, workers covered by the insurance of their spouses or other family members will get reconfirmation swiftly. When a company checks income of their workers’ dependents, if the dependents’ annual income exceeds 1.3 million yen (or 1.8 million yen for dependents aged 60 or older or entitled to disability pensions), due to temporary increase in work hours in an understaffed situation, the dependents may ask their employers to provide a document proving the fact and submit it at the time of reconfirmation.
This year, the reconfirmation paper must be returned by Nov 29. To allow time for workers to prepare documents to prove entitlement, companies should start reconfirmation as early as possible.
[Reference]
Association Kenpo, “Reconfirmation of dependent status”
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/event/cat590/info230816/
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/event/cat590/20240606/
