Modern pension and health insurance systems in Japan

Abstract

The article substantiates the relevance of issues related to the functioning of social protection systems for the population of developed countries. The review and analysis of the modern pension system in Japan is made. The mechanism of recognition of Japanese citizens and foreign citizens residing in it as insured persons of a certain category and the mechanism of functioning of individual subsystems of the pension insurance system (in particular, basic pension, employee pension insurance, optional (additional) pension insurance system) are considered. The data on the absolute amounts and rates of insurance premiums, the formulas by which the monthly pension is calculated, and the conditions that must be met by insured persons to acquire the right to a pension (for old age, for disability, for the loss of a breadwinner) are given. The conditions for receiving and the amount of benefits for dependents and child benefits are indicated. The review and analysis of the modern health insurance system in Japan is made. The mechanism of functioning of individual subsystems of the pension insurance system (in particular, insurance at the place of work, insurance at the municipal level, insurance for persons aged 75 and over) is considered. The data on the absolute amounts and rates of insurance premiums, on the specifics of fi nancing the activities of public and private organizations, which, on the basis of the principles of non-commercial activity, provide medical services to the population of Japan are presented. The conditions for receiving and the amount of benefits for the birth of a child, for a funeral, for temporary disability are indicated. Attention is drawn to the distinctive features of the pension and health insurance systems in Japan. It is proposed to use the Japanese experience to reform the national systems of social protection of the population.