The Japan Health Insurance Association (Association Kenpo) carries out annual checks of the status of workers’ dependents. Companies receive a list of dependents around the end of October and confirm whether the status of workers’ dependents have not changed. This article looks at the purpose of eligibility check, result of FY2024 check and key points in conducting the check.
[1] Purpose of eligibility check and results of FY2024 check
Insured workers’ dependents can receive certain medical services without paying premiums. If family members who do not meet the requirements remain as dependents, medical costs or payments for the elderly’s medical care will increase unnecessarily, resulting in higher premiums for companies and employees. To prevent this situation, the Association Kenpo conducts eligibility check. According to its report, about 63,000 people were found not applicable to dependent status in FY2024 (as of March 31, 2025), reducing "young-old payments," which are collected to cover medical expenses for the early old age people, by approximately 1.1 billion yen. Among major reasons for losing eligibility was the failure to file a “status change” with the Pension Office after finding jobs and becoming insured workers themselves.
[2] Key points in conducting the check
Based on the list sent from the Association Kenpo, companies check the status of dependents by asking employees verbally or in writing. If an employee supports a family member who lives separately, the employee must submit an evidence of financial support provided to the dependent and the amount. (*) Specifically, such employee need to submit a copy of deposit book or registered mail, depending on whether the money is sent by bank transfer or postal mail. If they submit a copy of deposit book, they can black out unrelated parts.
*This step can be omitted if the dependent is a student.
Companies must return the list by December 12. Since some employees may need to prepare documents, please start the check early.
[Reference]
The Association Kenpo
“FY2025 Status check of dependents”
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/event/cat590/info250731/
“Thank you for your cooperation in FY2024 status check”
https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/event/cat590/20250619/
＊The information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
