What is insurance in the U.S.?
There are two main types of people who are eligible for Medicare in the United States.
This is what is called National Health Insurance in Japan.
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents 65 years of age or older
Conditions: You must meet one of the following conditions
U.S. citizen who has reached his/her 65th birthday or older
A permanent resident of the U.S. who has resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years
Certain railroad retirees
Exception: You cannot enroll in Medicare even if you are 65 or older if
Living in a foreign country
Military personnel
Are eligible for Medicaid
people with specific disabilities.
Requirements: must meet one of the following
Under 2 years old with a specific disability
Under 18 years of age with a specific disability
Under 29 years old and dependent on a parent or grandparent with a specific disability
Chronic renal failure and receiving dialysis or a kidney transplant
AIDS
Other
Even if you meet the above requirements, you still need to apply for Medicare. For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration or the Medicare website.
Medicare is a public health insurance program for the elderly and disabled and requires a premium to enroll.
Medicare does not cover all medical expenses. There are co-pays and deductibles.
Medicare Programs
Medicare has the following types of programs, which you can refer to here.
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
Hospitalization
Home health care
Hospice care
Home health care
Premiums: Free
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 65 and older and certain disabled persons
Exceptions: People living abroad, military personnel, and those eligible for Medicaid
Medicare Part A has co-payments based on the number of days of hospitalization.
medicare part b (medical insurance)
Outpatient Care
Examination
Diagnosis
Other medical services
Premium: As of 2024, the standard monthly premium is $174.70. However, actual premiums may be higher because they are based on the previous year’s income.
Who is eligible: Medicare Part A enrollees
Exception: Medicaid eligible individuals
Medicare Part B has an annual deductible ($291) and copayments for each medical service.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan)
Medicare plans offered by private insurance companies
May offer additional services in addition to those in Medicare Parts A and B
Premiums: Varies by plan. Generally higher than the standard premium for Medicare Part B.
Who is eligible: People enrolled in Medicare Part A
Description: May offer additional services in addition to those in Medicare Parts A and B.
Co-payments for Medicare Part C vary by plan.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Insurance Program)
Prescription Drug
Premiums: Varies by plan.
Who is eligible: People with Medicare Part A or B
What it covers: Covers prescription drugs.
Co-payments for Medicare Part D vary by plan.
Medicare Benefits
Medicare covers most, but not all, medical expenses
Medical expenses not covered by Medicare include dental care, vision correction, hearing aids, etc.
How to enroll in Medicare
To enroll in Medicare, you must apply to the Social Security Administration.
Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or by mail.
Medicare Information
For more information about Medicare, visit the following websites
For information on applying to join Medicare, visit
Disclaimer
The above information is general in nature and is intended as legal advice only.
Summary
I think the National Health Insurance in Japan is equivalent to Medicare in the United States.
However, the major difference is that Japan’s health insurance covers all ages, while in the U.S. there are certain conditions for coverage.
Considering this, Japan’s National Health Insurance may still be a very good system.
Most of the visitors to this site are Japanese who live in Japan, but I have compiled this information for those who would like to know information about other countries.
Thank you for reading to the end.
