Navigating Healthcare in Sagamihara: Your Guide to the New National Health Insurance System
Sagamihara City residents are advised of an upcoming significant change to the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) system, with the discontinuation of the traditional health insurance card. This transition, effective from July 31, 2025, at 15:05, marks a move towards a more streamlined and potentially digitalized approach to healthcare access. While the familiar card will no longer be issued, the fundamental right to healthcare remains. This article aims to provide a clear and helpful overview of what this means for you and how to continue receiving medical care.
Understanding the Change: What is Happening?
The core of this announcement is the abolition of the physical health insurance card for National Health Insurance. This means that after the specified date, you will no longer receive or use a card to present at hospitals and clinics. This change is being implemented to modernize the system and potentially integrate with newer identification methods.
How to Receive Medical Care Without Your Insurance Card:
The most crucial question for residents is how to access healthcare services moving forward. Sagamihara City has assured its citizens that access to medical treatment will remain uninterrupted. While the specifics of the new system are still being rolled out, the city is emphasizing the following:
- New Identification Method: It is highly anticipated that a new form of identification will be introduced to replace the insurance card. This could take the form of a digital ID, a new type of card, or a system linked to your personal My Number. Further details regarding the specific method and how to obtain it will be communicated by the city in due course. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official Sagamihara City channels.
- Verification of Insurance Status: Even without a physical card, healthcare providers will still need to verify your eligibility for National Health Insurance. The new system is expected to facilitate this verification process through alternative means.
- Continued Responsibility for Premiums: It is important to remember that while the card is being abolished, the obligation to pay National Health Insurance premiums continues. This is essential for maintaining your coverage and access to healthcare.
What You Should Do Now:
- Stay Informed: The most important action you can take is to remain informed about the upcoming changes. Regularly check the official Sagamihara City website (www.city.sagamihara.kanagawa.jp/) and any direct communications sent to your household. Information will be disseminated as the implementation date approaches.
- Prepare for New Identification: Begin thinking about how you will manage your identification for healthcare. If a digital solution is introduced, ensure you have a smartphone or other device that can access it. If a new physical card or document is issued, keep it in a safe and accessible place.
- Consult Official Sources for Specifics: As the implementation date of July 31, 2025, draws nearer, Sagamihara City will provide detailed instructions on how the new system will work. This will likely include information on how to register for any new identification, what documents you might need, and how to present your insurance status at medical facilities.
A Future of Streamlined Healthcare:
The abolition of the traditional health insurance card is a step towards a more modern and efficient healthcare system. While any change can initially bring questions, Sagamihara City is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all its residents. By staying informed and preparing for the new identification methods, you can continue to access the quality healthcare you are entitled to.
Sagamihara City encourages all residents to approach this change with a proactive and informed mindset. Further updates will be provided through official city channels as more information becomes available.
【国保・保険証】保険証が廃止になりましたが、病院を受診するときはどうしたらよいですか。
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相模原市 published ‘【国保・保険証】保険証が廃止になりましたが、病院を受診するときはどうしたらよいですか。’ 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.