Calls for an end to discriminatory medical system for people over age 75 are growing

Japan Press Weekly

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Calls for an end to discriminatory medical system for people over age 75 are growing

A year has passed since the introduction of the health insurance system discriminating against the elderly aged 75 and older with the aim of cutting the country's health care spending. More and more people are calling for an end to the system and equal access to medical care without income and age discrimination.

More than 10 million people throughout Japan have so far expressed their opposition to the system in signature-collecting drives.

Calling for the abolition of the system, 667 local municipal assemblies have adopted resolutions.

More than 10,000 people have filed complaints against administrative measures on their insurance benefits or premiums, and most of them in their statements call for the system abolished.

In central Tokyo's 23 wards, the number of solitary deaths of elderly people in 2007 was 1798, more than doubled from that in 2000.

Secretary General of the Central Council for Promotion of Social Security, Yamada Minoru said, "Most elderly are having a hard time surviving with low pension benefits. In addition to this, the insurance premiums are forcibly withheld from their meager pension benefits, although these benefits are the only source of income for them. So, many elderly people have become hesitant to go to a hospital because it will cost them more than they can afford."

Yamada also said, "The government has been cutting back social welfare programs, but without improving this sector it will not be able to increase domestic demand. The government should earmark enough money for the welfare programs and reconstruct the country's medial care system to adequately take care of all people, including the elderly."

- Akahata, March 29, 2009