Impacts of Copayment Change on Health Behaviours for Older People: Evidence from a Japanese Health Policy Reform

This study investigates the effects of increased copayment on health behaviours among older people in Japan. Utilizing data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (CSLC), our analysis focuses on the impacts on positive and negative health behaviours including having regular meals, balanced diet, regular sleep, doing exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol. While augmented cost sharing is associated with increased positive health behaviours, its impact on negative behaviours is complex, with smoking rates declining but alcohol consumption showing a mild upward trend, particularly among highly educated individuals and males. Notably, higher educated individuals exhibit a greater propensity towards positive health behaviours. This research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between health insurance coverage and health behaviours among older adults, providing insights for policymakers aiming to promote healthy aging and mitigate adverse health outcomes resulting from policy reforms.