Hyogo Local Governments Raise Stoma Appliance Benefits Amid Rising Costs
In response to rising prices, an increasing number of local governments in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, are raising the standard benefit amounts for individuals using stoma appliances. These devices, which include bags and face plates for those with artificial anuses or bladders due to conditions like colon cancer, cost between 10,000 and 20,000 yen monthly. Despite these adjustments, a disparity of over 4,000 yen remains between different municipalities. Kobe City, for instance, increased its monthly benefit for colostomy users from 8,900 to 11,000 yen and for urostomy users from 11,700 to 13,000 yen starting April 2026. Six other cities and towns in the prefecture are implementing similar hikes. Under the Act on Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities, municipalities determine assistance levels, leading to regional inconsistencies. While the increases aim to reduce the financial burden on the approximately 9,200 residents with rectal and bladder function disorders in Hyogo, interest groups are advocating for further standardized improvements to ensure equitable support across all local jurisdictions.
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Hyogo Local Governments Raise Stoma Appliance Benefits Amid Rising Costs
In response to rising prices, an increasing number of local governments in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, are raising the standard benefit amounts for individuals using stoma appliances. These devices, which include bags and face plates for those with artificial anuses or bladders due to conditions like colon cancer, cost between 10,000 and 20,000 yen monthly. Despite these adjustments, a disparity of over 4,000 yen remains between different municipalities. Kobe City, for instance, increased its monthly benefit for colostomy users from 8,900 to 11,000 yen and for urostomy users from 11,700 to 13,000 yen starting April 2026. Six other cities and towns in the prefecture are implementing similar hikes. Under the Act on Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities, municipalities determine assistance levels, leading to regional inconsistencies. While the increases aim to reduce the financial burden on the approximately 9,200 residents with rectal and bladder function disorders in Hyogo, interest groups are advocating for further standardized improvements to ensure equitable support across all local jurisdictions.
asahi