ID :
16571
Thu, 08/21/2008 - 15:46
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16571
The shortlink copeid
Seino Disbands Own Medical Insurance Union
Tokyo, Aug. 21 (Jiji Press)--Logistics group Seino Holdings Co. <9076> has disbanded its own medical insurance association due to higher costs reflecting national medical insurance system reform implemented in April, officials said Thursday.
It is unusual for a major Japanese company to take such action.
The association covered some 57,000 people--employees, their spouses and other dependents of 31 Seino group firms including core firmSeino Transportation Co.
The reform forced the insurance union to contribute 5.8 billion yen to help cover medical expenses for aged people in fiscal 2008, up sharplyfrom the previous year's 3.5 billion yen.
In Japan, corporate medical insurance unions are required to make financial contributions to the national medical insurance system to helpcover ballooning medical expenses for the aged.
To absorb the cost increase, Seino Holdings' union would have toraise its premium rate from 8.1 pct of monthly salaries to over 10 pct.
Because of this, the company decided to disband the association.
Seino has shifted to the government-managed medical insurance plan, mainly used by small businesses, because its premium rate is set at 8.2 pctthanks to financial support from the government.
It is unusual for a major Japanese company to take such action.
The association covered some 57,000 people--employees, their spouses and other dependents of 31 Seino group firms including core firmSeino Transportation Co.
The reform forced the insurance union to contribute 5.8 billion yen to help cover medical expenses for aged people in fiscal 2008, up sharplyfrom the previous year's 3.5 billion yen.
In Japan, corporate medical insurance unions are required to make financial contributions to the national medical insurance system to helpcover ballooning medical expenses for the aged.
To absorb the cost increase, Seino Holdings' union would have toraise its premium rate from 8.1 pct of monthly salaries to over 10 pct.
Because of this, the company decided to disband the association.
Seino has shifted to the government-managed medical insurance plan, mainly used by small businesses, because its premium rate is set at 8.2 pctthanks to financial support from the government.
