News Japan stops health insurance cards for My Number card

[thomas]

As of today, Japan has temporarily stopped issuing new health insurance cards. The government plans to integrate these cards with the My Number ID system to accelerate digitalization. To access healthcare services, individuals must present their My Number card linked to their health insurance information. However, existing health insurance cards will remain valid for up to a year. Those without My Number cards can still receive insured medical care by providing a certificate confirming their health insurance enrollment. This includes people who have not yet applied for a My Number card or registered it for health insurance purposes.

The certificates, which substitute for health insurance cards, can be used for up to five years and are subject to renewal. They can be sent to the residents via postal mail, among other methods. When using the My Number card integrated with health insurance data, the cardholder will have to scan it using a card reader at a medical institution, with their identity verified by entering a four-digit code or through facial recognition. The number of people who have already registered their My Number cards as their health insurance cards has reached 77.47 million, or 82 percent of the total holders as of the end of October, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Existing health insurance cards will remain valid until 1 December 2025, regardless of their expiration date. However, they will become unusable if health insurance coverage changes, such as due to a job change or relocation. Individuals can present a separate notice confirming their health insurance enrollment if technical issues with the My Number card system occur, such as difficulties with card scanning at medical facilities. This notice can be obtained from the relevant health insurance association or local government or viewed digitally on the My Number smartphone app.

Japan halts issuing health insurance cards, info tied to My Number ID - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan on Monday halted issuing new health insurance cards, as the government pushes to merge their functions into the My Number ident

mainichi.jp

 

[johnnyG]

Fingers crossed that it works.

I've kept my MyNa card in the same jacket as my health cards, and have offered it a time or two. But they (clinics/hospitals) have declined, seeming to prefer the older cards. (tho I do have sort of a special status--I'm issued three cards, not one, and present them all on walking in, and/or at billing)

 

[thomas]

So far, I have never used my MyNa. I believe most hospitals and clinics have scanners ready; all you need is your four-digit code. I will ask at my dentist's this week.

 

[Lothor]

I had to go to two different doctors last week (nothing serious in both cases). You put the My Number card in the machine and it asks you for a pin number or scans your face. I chose the scan, and in both cases it chirped ikemen desu ne! or at least it recognised me. The tech seems to work.

 

[musicisgood]

Currently most dentists are accepting the my number card at least in my area.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Are "My number card" elderly person facilities solutions with a perplexity "qualification confirmation?" The acquisition method?
[super J channel]
(December 3, 2024)
Over the my number card, perplexity spreads in elderly person facilities and the medical spot. Will there be the solution? It is a commentary of reporter Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare charge, Fumio Iwasaki of the society part.


The media drive the uneasiness to elderly people.
The intention of media is unknown.
According to the estimation of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the health insurance card issuance expense is about 10 billion yen.
After confirming my number card of mother with my smartphone because I said the uneasiness about my number card when mother went to the hospital for periodical medical examination, I conveyed that it was usable in peace this morning as it was the Registered of the health insurance card.
The time that it took for confirmation is ten seconds.

 

[thomas]

As of next Monday, MyNa will also allow access to the medical history of emergency patients.

A new system will be implemented on 9 December, allowing hospitals that treat emergency patients to access their medical history: even if a patient is unconscious and unable to consent, their "maina hokensho" (My Number Card), which also serves as a health insurance card, will enable medical professionals to access their medication history and pre-existing conditions. This system can improve patients' survival rates and quality of life after treatment. In emergencies, the lack of information from unconscious patients has historically hindered the decision-making process for appropriate treatment options.

For example, an emergency patient who suddenly collapses due to a blocked blood vessel in their heart or brain may be at greater risk if blood tests or other tests are not performed prior to surgery. If the patient takes blood thinners, they are more likely to bleed out and would require a neutralizing drug or other additional medication prior to surgery. Medical professionals' responses will vary depending on what medication a patient is currently prescribed, so accurate information is vital. The new system developed by the health ministry will allow medical professionals to view the last five years of a patient's medical history, prescription drugs, treatment and examinations. Electronic prescriptions from the past 100 days will also be accessible. The system is set to be introduced to hospitals sequentially starting on Dec. 9, and it is expected to be in use in most hospitals with emergency centers by the end of fiscal 2024.

My Number Card’s medical records system nears launch | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[musicisgood]

Not good

 

[mdchachi]

Not good

Except for the people whose lives are saved by this. It might be good for them.

 

[musicisgood]

Except for the people whose lives are saved by this. It might be good for them.

I mostly was thinking about the privacy the medical personal background yes it should be shared accordingly but there's sometimes you want to keep away not only from other doctors but from the insurance companies that's what I'm really thinking about because actually I travel overseas and you have to buy travel insurance and they're very strict and they're they know everything about you when it comes to health insurance.

 

[mdchachi]

It seems you're not the only one to be suspicious of health insurers.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I spent 4 years running the file room at BC/BS for the government Medicare program. It was the most corrupt and inefficient company I ever saw. I bailed out of it and not long afterwards Blue Cross lost the contract.

 

[johnnyG]

For example, an emergency patient who suddenly collapses due to a blocked blood vessel in their heart or brain may be at greater risk if blood tests or other tests are not performed prior to surgery. If the patient takes blood thinners, they are more likely to bleed out and would require a neutralizing drug or other additional medication prior to surgery. Medical professionals' responses will vary depending on what medication a patient is currently prescribed, so accurate information is vital. The new system developed by the health ministry will allow medical professionals to view the last five years of a patient's medical history, prescription drugs, treatment and examinations. Electronic prescriptions from the past 100 days will also be accessible.

I think this is great! --as someone who takes a blood thinner, actually two different ones so far, which each have their own separate protocols to reverse the effect. Not that I hope to be using emergency services while unconscious...

Also, no need to wait (and pay) for the envelopes of medical records (w/DVDs) that sometimes need to be prepped and then physically carried to the next doctor/hospital.

Also also, no more paper booklet for your drugs (薬手帳).

Maybe I'll have my MyNa tattooed on my chest. (I've read some people get a DNR tattoo.)