[June 13] The National Council of Citizen Welfare Organizations Held a Commemorative Lecture for the 2026 General Meeting

We held a commemorative lecture for the 2026 General Meeting of the National Council of Citizen Welfare Organizations, titled "What the Long-Term Care Insurance System That Care Providers Must Know Now Is," targeting members of the Citizen Council and affiliated organizations (such as NPOs in the care sector). The lecture featured a speaker from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which oversees the 10th phase of the long-term care insurance system starting in fiscal year 2027, to explain key points and essential system knowledge for long-term care insurance providers.

Entitled "What the Long-Term Care Insurance System That Care Providers Must Know Now Is," the lecture featured Mr. Eiichiro Nishizawa, Director of the Long-Term Care Insurance Planning Division, Health Policy Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Below is a summary of the lecture content:

Current Situation Surrounding Long-Term Care Insurance and Future Challenges

Polarization of Aging and Regional Differences: The population aged 85 and over is expected to surge, leading to an exponential increase in long-term care benefit costs per person. Furthermore, while some urban areas will continue to see an increase in the elderly population towards 2050, areas like mountainous and rural regions will experience a halving of their population, creating a structural polarization that necessitates the development of service infrastructure tailored to each region.

Key Points of Partial Amendments to the Social Welfare Act, etc.

Establishment of Specific Regional Service Projects: To maintain services in mountainous and rural areas experiencing significant population decline, special services will be created that allow for relaxed staffing standards and the introduction of comprehensive remuneration (e.g., monthly fixed payments).

Commercialization of Preventive Care Hubs: The "visiting places" for preventive care, which are becoming difficult to maintain, will be transformed into multi-functional hubs that also include support for children and people with disabilities. The policy is to allow necessary expenses to be disbursed from preventive care project funds.

Support for Elderly Individuals Without Relatives: Daily support and post-mortem affairs for elderly individuals without relatives will be designated as "Type 2 Social Welfare Services." The role of community comprehensive support centers will be legally clarified to promote collaboration with related organizations.

Strengthening Regulations for Paid Elderly Homes: To address the issue of "enclosure" (exclusive use by residents), a "registration system" will be introduced for housing-type paid elderly homes, and a new consultation support service will be established to ensure the independence of care management.

Review of Care Manager Training: To reduce the burden and prevent turnover, the requirement for mandatory training completion for qualification renewal (which would otherwise lead to expiration) will be abolished, allowing for online and split attendance.

Formulation of the 10th Phase Plan and Towards the Next Remuneration Revision

Clarification of Local Government Roles: The 10th phase plans, to be formulated by each local government, will mandate the inclusion of medium- to long-term service projections and countermeasures with a view towards 2040.

Next Long-Term Care Remuneration Revision: A full revision is exceptionally scheduled for fiscal year 2026. Regarding measures for rising prices and wages, a conclusion is expected by the end of the year to be reflected in the next phase of insurance premiums.

Exchange of Opinions During Q&A During the Q&A session following the lecture, active opinions were expressed by providers from across the country.

Regarding the total quantity control of specific facilities: It was mentioned that the government would send a message to local authorities to reflect the necessity of specific facilities in their plans, considering the reality that housing-type facilities often have a high number of severely disabled individuals.

Regarding the transition of lifestyle support for care levels 1 and 2 to the comprehensive support project: It was decided to postpone this for now, as it is not expected to immediately increase providers or decrease benefit costs. However, it was recognized that considering the future rise in insurance premiums, examining the scope of benefits remains an unavoidable challenge.

Finally, participants expressed their determination to pave the way for the mutual support projects that the Citizen Council has long conducted privately to be recognized as "Type 2 Social Welfare Services" under the current framework. The lecture concluded successfully.

We are grateful to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Health Policy Bureau, which also supports the Private Care Business Promotion Committee, for sending a speaker to our annual general meeting commemorative lecture and for providing this valuable opportunity for discussion. We look forward to your continued support of the Citizen Council.