Nishi, AkihiroMcWilliams, J. MichaelNoguchi, HarukoHashimoto, HidekiTamiya, NanakoKawachi, Ichiro2019-08-292012Nishi, Akihiro, J Michael McWilliams, Haruko Noguchi, Hideki Hashimoto, Nanako Tamiya, and Ichiro Kawachi. 2012. “Health Benefits of Reduced Patient Cost Sharing in Japan.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization 90 (6): 426–35. https://doi.org/10.2471/blt.11.095380.0042-96860366-49961564-0604http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:41275520Objective To assess the effect on out-of-pocket medical spending and physical and mental health of Japan's reduction in health-care cost sharing from 30% to 10% when people turn 70 years of age.Methods Study data came from a 2007 nationally-representative cross-sectional survey of 10 293 adults aged 64 to 75 years. Physical health was assessed using a 16-point scale based on self-reported data on general health, mobility, self-care, activities of daily living and pain. Mental health was assessed using a 24-point scale based on the Kessler-6 instrument for nonspecific psychological distress. The effect of reduced cost sharing was estimated using a regression discontinuity design.Findings For adults aged 70 to 75 years whose income made them ineligible for reduced cost sharing, neither out-of-pocket spending nor health outcomes differed from the values expected on the basis of the trend observed in 64- to 69-year-olds. However, for eligible adults aged 70 to 75 years, out-of-pocket spending was significantly lower (P<0.001) and mental health was significantly better (P<0.001) than expected. These differences emerged abruptly at the age of 70 years. Moreover, the mental health benefits were similar in individuals who were and were not using health-care services (P=0.502 for interaction). The improvement in physical health after the age of 70 years in adults eligible for reduced cost-sharing tended to be greater than in non-eligible adults (P=0.084).Conclusion Reduced cost sharing was associated with lower out-of-pocket medical spending and improved mental health in older Japanese adults.en-USJournal Article2019-08-2910.2471/BLT.11.095380