How much does “cancer treatment” cost?
Is cancer treatment expensive? Is it covered by insurance? Many of you may be worried about money.
This is probably because they do not know how much cancer treatment actually costs.
I can sympathize with this feeling.
However, I think you will feel a little better if you know this. Please refer to the following list.
What is the High Cost Medical Care System in Japan?
The High Cost Medical Care System is a system that limits the out-of-pocket expenses to a certain amount in the event that medical costs become too high.
This is a really helpful system.
This system is available to those who are covered by health insurance such as National Health Insurance, Association Health Insurance, Seamen’s Health Insurance, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Health Insurance, and Mutual Aid Associations.
This is a tremendous system that covers those who live in Japan and are covered by insurance.
There are two types of high-cost medical care benefit systems: the limit amount application certificate and the high-cost medical care benefit system.
Let’s take a look at them in detail.
limit amount application certificate
The Limit Amount Authorization Certificate is a system that allows you to limit your out-of-pocket expenses to the maximum amount you can pay at the counter of medical institutions by applying in advance. To apply, you must submit the necessary documents to your health insurance association.
The following are the advantages of applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for Maximum Amount Coverage.
Payment over the counter can be limited to the maximum co-payment amount.
Application procedures for high-cost medical care are simplified.
Application for the Certificate of Eligibility for the Maximum Amount is recommended for the following people
Those who expect to incur high medical expenses over a long period of time, such as for cancer and other chronic diseases
Those who have difficulty bearing high medical expenses.
The application procedure for the Certificate of Eligibility for Maximum Amount Coverage differs depending on the health insurance association, etc., with which you are enrolled. For details, please contact your health insurance association.
high-cost medical care expenses
High-cost medical care is a system under which you can apply for reimbursement of your out-of-pocket expenses when medical costs become too high. To apply, you must submit receipts from medical institutions and other documents.
The amount of high-cost medical care reimbursement depends on your age, income, and the type of health insurance you have. For details, please inquire with your health insurance association, etc.
Application for high-cost medical care is recommended for the following persons
Those who have not yet applied for the Certificate of Authorization for Maximum Amount Application.
Those whose Certificate of Authorization for Maximum Amount Application has expired
Those who have never used the high-cost medical care benefit system
The method of applying for high-cost medical care benefit differs depending on the health insurance association, etc., with which you are enrolled. For details, please contact your health insurance association.
Medical Expenses Subject to the High-Cost Medical Care System
Medical expenses covered by the high-cost medical care system are as follows
Hospital charges for hospitalization: Including meals and differential bed charges.
Medical expenses for outpatient treatment: Including the cost of medicines and tests.
Dental care: including the cost of dentures and bridges.
However, the following medical expenses are not covered by the high-cost medical care system
Cosmetic surgery: Surgery for cosmetic purposes
Medical checkups: Routine medical checkups
Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses
Copayment Limits for High-Cost Medical Care System
The co-payment limit varies depending on your age, income, and the type of health insurance you have. For details, please contact your health insurance association.
The estimated co-payment limits are as follows
Persons under 70 years of age: approximately 80,000 yen to 100,000 yen
Persons 70 years of age or older: approximately 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen
Medical expenses in excess of the co-payment limit will be reimbursed as high-cost medical care expenses.
Information on the High-Cost Medical Treatment System
Information on the high-cost medical care system can be found on the following website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
High-cost medical care benefit system: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/iryouhoken/juuyou/kougakuiryou/index.html
Certificate of Eligibility for Maximum Amount: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/iryouhoken/juuyou/kougakuiryou/index.html
The high-cost medical care system is a system to reduce the burden of medical expenses. If your medical expenses are high, consider using the high-cost medical care system.
High-cost medical care system available for cancer?
The High Cost Medical Care System can also be used for cancer treatment costs.
Cancer treatment often combines various treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and drug therapy, which can be very expensive. By using the high-cost medical care system, you can reduce the amount of out-of-pocket expenses and ease your financial burden.
Now let’s look at some real life examples
Example 1: Male in his 70s, lung cancer
Underwent surgery and anticancer drug treatment, and was hospitalized for 3 months.
The treatment cost is approximately 5 million yen.
By using the high-cost medical care system, the out-of-pocket expenses were reduced to approximately 100,000 yen.
Example 2: Female in her 60s, breast cancer
Received hormone therapy and radiotherapy, and outpatient treatment.
The monthly treatment cost is approximately 200,000 yen.
By using the maximum amount applicable certificate, she was able to receive treatment with a co-payment of approximately 30,000 yen per month.
Example 3: Male in his 50s, colorectal cancer
He underwent surgery and anticancer drug treatment, and later visited the hospital regularly for follow-up observation.
The treatment and follow-up costs amounted to approximately 1,000,000 yen per year.
By using the high-cost medical care system, his out-of-pocket expenses amounted to approximately 100,000 yen each year.
As you can see, whether or not you know about this system and whether or not you use it will make a big difference in the amount of your copayment.
Summary
Knowing this system will greatly reduce your future medical expenses.
First of all, remember this system, and if you should become seriously ill, remember it and check the details at that time.
Then, inquire with your insurance company about the details of your insurance coverage.
