Lesson 51 Health Insurance
Topic Question: How do health insurance premiums work in Japan, and how are they calculated?
No. 1: Introduction– First, try answering the question yourself.
The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud. Instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
In Japan, health insurance premiums are a fundamental part of the healthcare system, which is divided into two main types: Employee Health Insurance for salaried workers and National Health Insurance for self-employed, unemployed, or retired individuals. Premiums are calculated based on several factors, including income, age, and the number of dependents, ensuring that contributions are fair and reflective of one’s ability to pay. For Employee Health Insurance, premiums are typically split evenly between the employer and employee and are based on the employee’s salary. In contrast, National Health Insurance premiums are determined by the individual’s income, residence tax, and the specific municipality’s policies, with adjustments for household size and income levels. This system aims to balance the financial sustainability of healthcare services with accessibility and affordability for all residents.
No. 2: Vocabulary Building－ 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Premiums (保険料, hokenryō): The amount paid for insurance coverage.
“Health insurance premiums in Japan are essential for maintaining the universal healthcare system.”
- Employee Health Insurance (健康保険, kenkō hoken): Insurance for people who are employed, with premiums shared between the employer and employee.
“Employee Health Insurance premiums are deducted directly from salaries, ensuring continuous coverage.”
- National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, kokumin kenkō hoken): A system for those not covered by Employee Health Insurance, such as the self-employed or retirees.
“National Health Insurance premiums are calculated annually and can vary based on several factors including income and family size.”
- Dependents (扶養家族, fuyō kazoku): Family members who rely on another family member for financial support.
“The number of dependents affects the calculation of health insurance premiums in Japan.”
- Sustainability (持続可能性, jizoku kanōsei): The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
“The calculation of premiums is crucial for the sustainability of Japan’s health insurance system.”
No. 3: Key Idiom and Example Sentences
“Spread the cost” – This phrase refers to distributing the financial burden across a wider base to make it more manageable for each contributor.
“In Japan, health insurance premiums ‘spread the cost’ of healthcare across the population, making it affordable for everyone.”
“By ‘spreading the cost,’ the health insurance system in Japan ensures that no one is burdened with unmanageable healthcare expenses.”
No. 4: Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer
Instructor: How does the system of calculating premiums in Japan ensure equitable access to healthcare? Are there any potential areas for improvement?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5: Free Discussion on the Topic
Let’s explore the challenges and benefits of Japan’s health insurance premium system. How does this system compare with those in other countries, and what lessons might be learned? Discuss the impact of demographic changes, such as aging populations, on the sustainability of health insurance funding. Additionally, consider the role of technology and policy reforms in enhancing the efficiency and fairness of premium calculations. How might changes in employment patterns, such as the increase in freelance and part-time work, affect health insurance coverage and premiums in the future? What strategies could be employed to adapt the health insurance system to these evolving economic and social trends?
