Here’s an article about Sagamihara City’s information on reducing medical costs, presented in a polite tone with relevant details:
Understanding Your Medical Costs: Sagamihara City’s Guidance on High-Cost Medical Expense Benefits
Sagamihara City recently published helpful information on its official website, offering guidance for National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) beneficiaries regarding how to manage their monthly medical expenses. The update, titled “【国保・給付】国民健康保険被保険者で、月々の入院・通院等の自己負担を、高額療養費の自己負担限度額までに抑えるにはどうしたらいいですか。（限度額適用認定証など）” (English translation: [National Health Insurance/Benefits] For National Health Insurance beneficiaries, how can I limit my monthly out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalization, outpatient care, etc., to the self-pay maximum for high-cost medical expenses? (e.g., Certificate of Eligibility for Reduced Cost-Sharing)), was released on July 31, 2025, at 3:05 PM.
This informative piece aims to empower residents to better understand and utilize the system of high-cost medical expense benefits to alleviate financial burdens associated with significant medical treatments.
Key Takeaway: The Role of the “Certificate of Eligibility for Reduced Cost-Sharing” (限度額適用認定証)
The core of Sagamihara City’s message revolves around the “Certificate of Eligibility for Reduced Cost-Sharing” (限度額適用認定証). For National Health Insurance beneficiaries, this certificate is a crucial tool for ensuring that their out-of-pocket medical expenses for inpatient and outpatient services do not exceed a predetermined monthly limit.
How Does it Work?
When a National Health Insurance beneficiary incurs substantial medical costs in a single month, they are typically responsible for a portion of these costs up to a certain limit, known as the “self-pay maximum for high-cost medical expenses” (高額療養費の自己負担限度額). Any costs exceeding this limit are then reimbursed by the National Health Insurance system.
However, to avoid the upfront payment of larger sums and then waiting for reimbursement, individuals can apply for and obtain the Certificate of Eligibility for Reduced Cost-Sharing. By presenting this certificate at the medical institution (hospital or clinic) when receiving treatment, the medical institution will calculate the eligible costs and only charge the beneficiary up to the self-pay maximum for that month. This significantly reduces the immediate financial strain on the individual.
Who Should Apply?
This guidance is particularly beneficial for individuals who:
- Anticipate significant medical expenses in a given month, such as hospitalization or multiple doctor visits.
- Wish to manage their medical costs more predictably and avoid large out-of-pocket payments.
- Are seeking to simplify the process of receiving high-cost medical expense benefits.
Where to Find More Information and How to Apply:
The detailed information provided by Sagamihara City likely includes:
- Eligibility Criteria: Who is eligible to apply for the certificate.
- Application Process: Steps involved in obtaining the certificate, including necessary documents and where to submit the application.
- Self-Pay Maximums: Information on the different levels of self-pay maximums, which vary based on age, income, and other factors.
- Contact Information: Details on how to reach the relevant department within Sagamihara City Hall for further inquiries or assistance.
Sagamihara City encourages its residents who are covered by National Health Insurance and expect to face considerable medical expenses to familiarize themselves with this system and consider applying for the Certificate of Eligibility for Reduced Cost-Sharing. This proactive approach can lead to a more manageable and less stressful healthcare experience.
For specific details on application procedures and eligibility, it is always recommended to visit the official Sagamihara City website or contact their relevant health insurance division directly.
【国保・給付】国民健康保険被保険者で、月々の入院・通院等の自己負担を、高額療養費の自己負担限度額までに抑えるにはどうしたらいいですか。（限度額適用認定証など）
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相模原市 published ‘【国保・給付】国民健康保険被保険者で、月々の入院・通院等の自己負担を、高額療養費の自己負担限度額までに抑えるにはどうしたらいいですか。（限度額適用認定証など）’ at 2025-07-31 15:05. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.