The Japanese government has ceased issuing health insurance cards for the first time. Those holding the old cards can continue to use them or opt for the My Number card instead.
Japan just started issuing the Citizen Card or My Number card in 2015, featuring a 12-digit identification number. The first 11 digits are the real number, while the 12th digit serves as a checksum to minimize errors. Japan has maintained a population registry for a long time, but only started issuing ID cards in 2003. The issuance of cards depends on the individual’s need for identity verification, with the unique 12-digit number making it difficult to reference specific individuals. The My Number card, with its 12-digit number system, encompasses all services since its introduction in 2015, with the addition of a chip in 2021. This progress enables the My Number card to replace health insurance cards until October 2023, with 77.4% of the population already holding the My Number card by then.
Subsequently, the Japanese government will halt the issuance of health insurance cards, allowing individuals to use their current cards until expiry or switch to the Citizen Card. Those who have not yet registered for the My Number card will receive a certification document for medical treatment rights. As of October last year, only 15.7% of patients in Japan used the Citizen Card to demonstrate their eligibility for healthcare services.
Source – The Japan Times
TLDR: Japan stops issuing health insurance cards, switching to My Number card system with 77.4% population already holding the new ID. Only 15.7% of patients currently utilize the Citizen Card for healthcare access.
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