[Topic] Lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance to be increased from 42 to 50 (from 5) - Foreigners are also eligible, and will be paid even if they give birth overseas. National health insurance available for those residing in Japan for 3 months or more

The following is from X

【Masanori SeraPosted by:

Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website

Revised May 5, 5, Hoho No. 24 No. 0524

(Official seal omitted)

When an insured person or dependent receives medical treatment overseas (medical expenses paid pursuant to Article 11 or Article 70 of the Health Insurance Act (Act No. 87 of 110) and Article 14 or Article 73 of the Seamen's Insurance Act (Act No. 64 of 76); hereinafter referred to as "overseas medical expenses"), and when an insured person or dependent gives birth overseas (hereinafter referred to as "overseas childbirth"), the childbirth and childcare lump-sum payment or family childbirth and childcare lump-sum payment (childbirth and childcare lump-sum payment or family childbirth and childcare lump-sum payment paid pursuant to Article 11 or Article 70 of the Health Insurance Act (Act No. 101 of 114) and Article 14 or Article 73 of the Seamen's Insurance Act (Act No. 73 of 81); hereinafter referred to as "childbirth and childcare lump-sum payment, etc."), each insurer endeavors to conduct appropriate examinations.As indicated in the "Comprehensive Measures for Accepting and Living with Foreign Talent" (approved by the Ministerial Conference on Accepting and Living with Foreign Talent on December 30, 12), in order to prevent fraudulent receipt of lump-sum childbirth and childcare benefits by falsifying the fact that one gave birth overseas, it is necessary to standardize the documents required for claims for lump-sum childbirth and childcare benefits, etc., and to tighten screening, based on the measures implemented so far for overseas medical expenses.Therefore, it is necessary to continue to publicize and promote the implementation of measures to prevent fraudulent receipt of overseas medical expenses.

Therefore, with regard to overseas medical expenses, as described below, we have issued two notifications since fiscal year 25 and have taken measures to improve the fairness of payments. Therefore, we ask insurers to once again understand the intent of these notifications and take measures to further improve the fairness of payment procedures.

In addition, regarding the payment of lump-sum childbirth and childcare benefits for overseas births, we have decided to present the following measures to improve the appropriateness of payments, taking into account the measures for overseas medical expenses. Insurers are requested to understand the contents and take appropriate action. [Click the source for the full text...]

According to the Tokyo Immigration Bureau Naturalization Application Support Office:

Enrollment in National Health Insurance for Foreigners

As of July 7, 9, foreign residents have also become subject to the "Basic Resident Registration System."Foreigners staying in Japan for more than three monthsIt is,Join the National Health InsuranceThis is also a major factor in determining whether or not permission is granted during immigration procedures.

To complete this procedure, present your residence card or alien registration card at the National Health Insurance counter of the city, town or village office where you registered as a resident.An insurance card will be issued.[See source for full text...]

引用元　https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/iryouhoken/shussan/index.html

https://www.visa-amitie-gyosei.com/14592082794899

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/12401000/000517334.pdf

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=00tc7702&dataType=1&pageNo=1

Everyone's comments

• This is supposed to be a measure to combat Japan's declining birthrate, so I don't understand why foreigners are also being targeted. Shouldn't we support Japanese families first?
• The increase in the maternity allowance is a good thing, but it is strange that it is paid even if the mother gives birth overseas. This will only lead to abuse of the system.
• Japan's national health insurance is supposed to be a system for people who live in Japan. However, the system that allows foreigners to join if they stay in Japan for only three months is problematic no matter how you look at it.
• In the end, it's because of this system that foreigners keep coming to Japan, which ends up increasing the burden on Japanese people. I wonder if the government is really thinking about its citizens.
• I don't understand why the taxes paid by hard working Japanese people are being used to support foreigners who don't live in Japan. I want the opinions of taxpayers to be respected more.
• If we are to take measures against the declining birthrate, we should provide generous support to children born and raised in Japan. I don't understand why we have to give money to foreigners who don't even live in Japan.
• It would be too irresponsible to expand the lump-sum childbirth allowance to the current problem of unpaid medical expenses for foreigners. After all, it is the Japanese who will bear the increased burden.
• If we are going to increase childbirth benefits, shouldn't we first use them to create an environment in which it is easier for young people in Japan to get married and raise children?
• It's one thing if the foreigners are working in Japan and paying taxes, but I think it goes against the purpose of the system to target people who aren't.
• It is certain that an increasing number of foreigners will abuse this system by staying in Japan for only a short period of time to receive childbirth expenses. Is the government properly considering the risks?
• It is said that the financial resources of the National Health Insurance System are tight, so why are they spreading the burden to foreigners as well? Won't this only make things even harder for Japanese people?
• The government always says it doesn't have enough funds, yet it seems contradictory to immediately provide money for such preferential treatment for foreigners.
• There are many Japanese who cannot have children even after getting married because of the financial difficulties. Instead of providing support for them, giving lump-sum childbirth benefits to foreigners seems out of place.
• If you can get money under the Japanese system even if you give birth overseas, it is obvious that more and more foreigners will do so. The system is too lenient.
• If Japan is really thinking about how to combat the declining birthrate, it should first strengthen support for Japanese people to have more children, and there is no reason to give preferential treatment to foreigners.
• How long do they intend to continue this lenient policy towards foreigners? The burden on Japanese people is only increasing, and I don't know why I am paying taxes.
• Originally, Japan's social security system was created for the benefit of Japanese people. Expanding it to foreigners is a sign of the country's direction being taken.
• If things continue as they are, the number of foreigners will continue to increase and Japan's social security system will collapse. The government should immediately review the system.
• The increase in the allowance itself is a good thing, but it should be limited to cases where the child is born in Japan. Paying it for births abroad will only invite abuse of the system.
• I want the government to seriously consider how these preferential treatment measures for foreigners will be detrimental to Japanese people in the future when there will be insufficient budgets to raise Japanese children.

Editor A's opinion

The increase in Japan's maternity allowance to 50 yen and the fact that foreigners will also be eligible has become a hot topic. The amount has been increased from 42 yen to 50 yen, and foreigners who have been enrolled in the National Health Insurance for more than three months will be eligible to receive the allowance. Furthermore, it is said that the system will be in place to provide benefits even if you give birth overseas. There are pros and cons to this decision, but I believe that it should be a system for Japanese people.

Increasing the lump-sum childbirth allowance may be necessary as a measure to combat Japan's declining birthrate. However, I find it difficult to understand why it is necessary to include foreigners. It is hard to accept that taxes paid by Japanese people should be used to cover the childbirth expenses of foreigners who are not even living in Japan. The purpose of the system is to create an environment in which it is easy to give birth, but in its current state it seems to be straying from its original purpose.

Even more problematic is the fact that a lump sum payment is given even if you give birth overseas. Originally, Japan's medical system is for people living in Japan. Despite this, if you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance for more than three months, you will be paid 3 yen even if you give birth overseas. Doesn't this increase the possibility of foreigners taking advantage of the Japanese system to obtain illegal benefits?

For example, there may be a case where a woman comes to Japan just before giving birth, joins the National Health Insurance, and then returns to her home country to give birth. In that case, she is able to receive a lump sum payment even though she is not paying taxes in Japan and is not giving birth in Japan. This type of system could end up only increasing the burden on Japanese people.

First of all, Japan's social security system should exist for Japanese people. Considering Japan's current financial situation, the first priority should be to create an environment in which Japanese people can give birth and raise children with peace of mind. Under the current system, insurance premiums and taxes paid by Japanese people are also paid to foreigners who give birth overseas. Won't this end up encouraging abuse of the system?

The government has indicated a policy to expand the scope of social security coverage in response to the increase in the number of foreign residents. However, at the same time, there are increasing cases of young Japanese people giving up on marriage and childbirth for economic reasons. Given this reality, shouldn't we prioritize Japanese people's childbirth and child-rearing?

In addition, there are cases of foreigners living in Japan giving birth while receiving welfare. The rate of foreigners receiving welfare is higher than that of Japanese people, and many of them use Japanese social security despite not paying taxes. In such a situation, would expanding the scope of recipients of the lump-sum maternity allowance really be in Japan's national interest?

I support the increase in the lump-sum childbirth allowance itself, but I think it is problematic to expand the scope of recipients too easily. In order to maximize the effectiveness of this measure to combat the declining birthrate, shouldn't priority be given to Japanese families and it be limited to births in Japan? If it is to be paid to foreigners, there should be conditions such as limiting it to those who have worked in Japan for a certain period of time and paid taxes.

On the other hand, it is also true that Japan's measures to combat the declining birthrate are insufficient. More comprehensive support is needed, including not only an increase in the lump-sum childbirth allowance, but also expanded childcare assistance, improved daycare facilities, and reduced education costs. Creating an environment in which Japanese people can build families with peace of mind would be the most effective way to combat the declining birthrate.

Under the current system, the taxes paid by hard working Japanese people are also paid by foreigners who are not living in Japan. Isn't this an unfair system for Japanese people? If the government is serious about tackling the declining birthrate, it should first prioritize strengthening support for Japanese people in raising children.

If things continue as they are, the burden on Japanese people may increase even more as foreigners use the system. With problems of unpaid medical expenses and public assistance already being pointed out, it seems unwise to further increase the burden on social security. There is a need to review the system and establish a mechanism for providing benefits appropriately to those who truly need them.

I would like to keep a close eye on how the government responds to this issue. I hope that they will carefully consider how our taxes are being used and take necessary measures for the future of Japan.

Written by: Editorial Department A

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