April 1, 2026: Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid Extends Coverage Age for 'Special Rider Courses' to 85, Premiums Unchanged! Responding to Senior Generations' Concerns

The National Federation of Workers' and Consumers' Cooperatives (Zenkoku Seikyo Ren), located in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, and represented by Representative Director Koji Yoshii, which is the underwriting organization for Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid operating non-profit mutual aid businesses in all 47 prefectures nationwide, will extend the coverage period for the 'Senior Medical Rider,' 'Senior New Cancer Rider,' and 'Senior New Three Major Diseases Rider' attached to the basic course for seniors, from age 80 to 85, effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

■ Background of Extending Coverage Period (End Age) for Senior Generation's Special Rider Courses
The average life expectancy of Japanese people has extended, and in modern times, often referred to as the '100-year life era,' social structures and lifestyles are dramatically changing. Accordingly, the nature of coverage is also required to continuously evolve in line with the times.

Against the backdrop of an aging and longer-living population, preparation for medical expenses and living costs for the senior generation has become crucial. Furthermore, due to endless price increases, the economic situation surrounding household finances is becoming increasingly severe year by year.
In response to these social conditions and the voices of our members, we have revised the system to extend the coverage period without raising premiums, thereby providing even greater peace of mind.

This revision is not merely a 'system change,' but an update adapted to the social environment, aimed at transforming 'anxiety about risks associated with living longer' into 'the joy of living longer.' We believe that continuing coverage for a longer period in old age will lead to great peace of mind not only for the individuals themselves but also for their families.

■ Premiums Remain Unchanged, Coverage Renewed Without Procedures
Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid has repeatedly revised its system since its establishment, in response to changes in society and the medical environment. During these revisions, premiums have never been increased.
'To maximize the peace of mind obtained with affordable premiums' – that is the enhancement of coverage value we aim for, putting our members first.
This mutual aid system becomes more stable in its coverage foundation as more members join, allowing for updates to even better coverage. Expanding the circle of mutual assistance becomes a great force in resolving life's anxieties.

■ Senior Generation's Special Rider Course Coverage Table
*Applicable to those who are subject to switching at age 80 as of the end of March 2026.
*Special rider courses cannot be applied for alone.
*The 'Senior New Cancer Rider' and 'Senior New Three Major Diseases Rider' cannot be joined concurrently.
*Not handled by Saitama Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid.
●Special website: https://www.kyosai-cc.or.jp/mutual/revision2026.html

■ What is the Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid Group?
This mutual aid business is implemented by Zenkoku Seikyo Ren as the underwriting organization, with approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, across all prefectures nationwide. Each consumer cooperative (member cooperative) that has become a member of Zenkoku Seikyo Ren operates the business as a mutual aid handling organization, with approval from their respective prefectural governors, in cooperation with Zenkoku Seikyo Ren, managing the business as a group.

*While Tokyo is 'Tokyo Citizens' Mutual Aid,' Hokkaido is 'Hokkaido Citizens' Mutual Aid,' Osaka and Kyoto Prefectures are 'Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid,' and other prefectures are 'Prefectural Citizens' Mutual Aid,' only Kanagawa Prefecture operates under the name 'Zenkoku Kyosai' (National Mutual Aid).

■ (Reference) Senior Generation's Basic Course Coverage Table