Aggressive Promotion of the My Number Health Insurance Card System
Starting in December 2024, new physical health insurance cards will no longer be issued in Japan, and the integration of health insurance cards with My Number cards will be promoted.
However, according to a public opinion poll conducted by Mainichi Shimbun in July 2024, more than 50% of respondents opposed the transition to the My Number health insurance card system. Under these circumstances, why is the government pushing forward with this policy so rapidly?
One possible reason, some people argue, is that the government wants to further increase the spread of My Number cards. As of February 2024, the possession rate of the cards was about 73%, meaning that roughly one out of every four citizens still did not have one.
The government states that the My Number system is intended to improve administrative efficiency and convenience by integrating information related to taxes, social security, and healthcare. On the other hand, many citizens remain concerned about the centralization of personal information.
In particular, some people are worried about how medical information will be managed once health insurance cards are fully linked with My Number cards. Medical information is highly sensitive personal data, and many believe that the government should provide sufficient explanations regarding its management and security.
In addition, My Number cards have expiration dates. If users fail to renew them in time, they may no longer be able to use them as health insurance cards. Furthermore, renewing the card and its electronic certificates may create additional burdens, especially for elderly people.
There is no doubt that digitalization can improve convenience and efficiency. However, at the same time, it is also important for the government to gain public understanding and trust regarding personal information protection and system security. The government should not simply promote the system, but also respond carefully to the concerns and questions of citizens.
