Clinics at Yokota Air Base expect reduced appointment availability due to staffing shortages linked to global combat operations and the annual permanent change of station season, according to an announcement by the 374th Medical Group.

A pilot program aimed at improving health care access for Defense Department civilians in Japan has saved patients about $1 million, but participants say significant barriers to care remain.

Tens of thousands of civilian employees and contractors may soon begin receiving medical bills delayed for nearly three years as the Pentagon resumes billing for care provided at military hospitals and clinics.

The Defense Department has extended a pilot program to help its civilian employees in Japan find health care, but their family members are still not permitted to take advantage of its services.

The Department of Defense has scheduled “listening sessions” at three U.S. military bases in Japan next week to collect feedback on a pilot program designed to connect DOD civilians with Japanese health care providers. 

A new dental clinic is in the works to serve American civilians at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo.

A pilot program aims to connect Department of Defense civilians in Japan with local health care providers without paying large, upfront service fees.

The Defense Department is counting on the contractor that provides health care for military members overseas to create a provider network in Japan that accepts civilian employee health insurance without crippling upfront payments.

The Department of Defense announced a one-year pilot program this week in a bid to help 11,000 civilian employees in Japan navigate and defray the cost of medical care in the country. 

Last year’s decision to defer medical billing for Department of Defense civilians has left hundreds confused and concerned about debt, according to the Japan Civilian Medical Advocacy group.