[Chronic rheumatoid arthritis and the long-term care insurance system in Japan]

The long-term care insurance system in Japan is the social support system for the elderly, mainly aged 65 or over, requiring long-term care and provides necessary welfare services and health and medical care services of the user's choice in a comprehensive and unified manner. On the other hand, chronic rheumatoid arthritis often causes various disturbance and needs of long-term care for daily life in accordance with the progression of the disease. This system shall be provided to patients aged 40 or over with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, after screened by the long-term care approval board. Combination with both services not covered by the long-term care insurance and the Government Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities, users shall be provided comprehensive and planned services.