Here’s a detailed article about the upcoming 122nd Social Security Council, Care Insurance Subsection, based on the information you provided, presented in an easy-to-understand manner:
Important Update: Planning for Japan’s Future of Long-Term Care
Tokyo, Japan – June 24, 2025 – As Japan continues to navigate the evolving landscape of its aging population, crucial discussions are underway to shape the future of its long-term care system. The Social Security Council’s Care Insurance Subsection is set to hold its 122nd meeting on June 30, 2025, with important details about the agenda and preparations being shared by the Welfare and Medical Services Agency (WAM).
This upcoming meeting is particularly significant as it focuses on planning for the Fiscal Year 2027 (Reiwa 9) and beyond. Japan’s long-term care insurance system, established in 2000, plays a vital role in supporting individuals who require assistance due to age or illness. As the demographic shifts continue, regular reviews and adjustments are essential to ensure the system remains sustainable and effective for everyone.
What will be discussed? Key areas of focus for the 122nd meeting are expected to include:
- Reviewing and Revising Care Service Benefits and Costs: A core function of these meetings is to assess the current offerings and costs associated with long-term care services. This involves examining how services are being utilized, whether they meet the needs of users, and how to ensure the financial stability of the insurance program. Discussions will likely revolve around the premiums paid by individuals and the government’s contribution, as well as the fees charged by care providers.
- Addressing the Needs of a Super-Aging Society: Japan is on the forefront of experiencing a “super-aging society,” where a significant portion of the population is over 75 years old. The subcommittee will be looking at how the care insurance system can adapt to the increasing complexity of care needs in this demographic, including for individuals with dementia or those requiring specialized medical support.
- Ensuring the Sustainability of the Care Insurance System: With an increasing number of elderly individuals, the financial burden on the care insurance system is a constant concern. The meeting will likely explore strategies to maintain the system’s long-term viability, which could involve reviewing contribution rates, exploring new funding sources, or implementing measures to improve efficiency in service delivery.
- Enhancing the Quality and Accessibility of Care Services: Beyond the financial aspects, the council will also deliberate on how to improve the quality of care provided and ensure that services are accessible to all who need them, regardless of their location or economic circumstances. This might include discussions on training for care professionals, support for care providers, and the development of innovative care models.
- Proposing Reforms for the Next Triennial Review: The care insurance system undergoes reviews every three years. The discussions at this meeting will lay the groundwork for proposing concrete reforms and policy changes that will be implemented in the upcoming review period, aiming to align the system with the demographic and social realities of the coming years.
Why is this important for you?
The decisions made by the Social Security Council’s Care Insurance Subsection have a direct impact on:
- Elderly individuals and their families: Changes in benefits, service availability, and contribution rates will affect the support available for long-term care.
- Care service providers: Decisions on service fees and regulations will influence how care facilities and professionals operate.
- Taxpayers: The sustainability of the system has implications for national and local government budgets.
Looking Ahead:
The 122nd meeting of the Social Security Council, Care Insurance Subsection, represents a critical moment in shaping the future of Japan’s essential long-term care system. The outcomes of these discussions will be instrumental in ensuring that Japan’s growing elderly population receives the quality care they deserve, while also safeguarding the system’s long-term financial health.
The Welfare and Medical Services Agency (WAM) continues to provide crucial information and facilitate these important policy-making processes, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging society.
第122回 社会保障審議会 介護保険部会（令和7年6月30日開催予定）
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At 2025-06-24 15:00, ‘第122回 社会保障審議会 介護保険部会（令和7年6月30日開催予定）’ was published according to 福祉医療機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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