Monthly insurance premiums for Japan's late-stage elderly medical care system, which covers individuals aged 75 and above, are projected to rise to a record average of JPY7,989 ($48-56) nationwide for this fiscal year and the next.
The increase is being driven by steadily rising medical costs, putting further upward pressure on contributions required from policyholders, reported NHK news.
There are notable regional differences.
Tokyo has the highest average premium at JPY10,352 per month, followed by Kanagawa Prefecture at JPY9,842 and Aichi Prefecture at JPY9,045. Premiums are set to rise in 45 prefectures, except for Aomori Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. The sharpest increase is expected in Saga Prefecture, where premiums will rise by JPY1,389 to JPY8,159.
At the lower end of the scale, Aomori Prefecture records the lowest premium at JPY4,990, followed by Iwate Prefecture at JPY5,496 and Fukushima Prefecture at JPY5,744.