The government has postponed until fiscal 2026 a decision on expanding the number of elderly people required to pay 20% of their nursing-care service costs out of pocket.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry considered expanding the scope of those required to make a 20% copayment as part of preparations for revising the nursing-care insurance system in fiscal 2027. It has decided to shelve the plan for now, however, judging that higher copayments could place an excessive burden on elderly people at a time when prices are rising and increases in some medical expenses are expected.
The Social Security Council, an advisory panel to the health minister, will continue discussions on the issue, aiming to reach a conclusion by the end of March 2027.
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