Kyo Hong Cho: "Not Reducing Health Insurance Role but Enhancing Sustainability... Expanding Support for Vulnerable Groups"

Meeting to Review National Tasks on the 15th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare, recently clarified that the role of health insurance has not been reduced in the measures to enhance the sustainability of health insurance.

On the 15th, at the 'National Task Review Meeting' held at the Blue House State Guest House, Minister Cho responded to a question from a citizen participating as a national panel. The citizen, who is taking care of a mother in her 90s, said, "I recently read an article saying that health insurance finances are running out, benefits will be reduced, and premiums will be increased," adding, "As we age, we are worried about increasing hospital bills and insurance premiums."

In response, Minister Cho explained that the recent measures do not reduce coverage. He said, "What we are trying to reform is to continue supporting essential and severe medical care for the public, not reducing the role but enhancing sustainability," adding, "However, it is to prevent medical abuse or identity theft."

The Ministry of Health and Welfare held a public hearing on the 8th regarding measures to enhance the sustainability of health insurance and support essential medical care, proposing plans such as recognizing insurance coverage only for items with large financial scale, like insured brain and cerebrovascular MRI and ultrasound, when medical necessity is acknowledged.

A citizen working in welfare services at a community center asked, "The minimum living expenses for a single-person household receiving basic livelihood security is about 580,000 won, which is too low and makes living difficult. Prices have risen a lot; is it possible to increase the minimum living expenses next year?" The citizen also inquired about public-private cooperation measures, saying, "In situations where many crisis households such as solitary deaths occur, we try to discover and provide meticulous welfare for them, but it is not enough with just us."

Minister Cho replied that support for vulnerable groups will be significantly expanded next year. He said, "The median income standard will be raised to an all-time high, and support for those who suddenly lost their jobs or who spend medical expenses beyond their capacity will also be expanded," adding, "We will prepare thoroughly so that this can be implemented from January 1 next year."

Furthermore, Minister Cho stated, "Reducing welfare blind spots cannot be accomplished by the government alone," emphasizing, "Cooperation from those working on the ground, such as welfare workers, community leaders, and village chiefs, is essential. The government will share necessary information and establish a cooperation system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.