Gokseong-gun to Increase Support for 'Knee Artificial Joint Surgery Costs'

Published 02 Jan.2024 11:33(KST)

Aged 60 or Older, Residing in Gokseong for Over 1 Year, Income at or Below 150% of Median

Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that it has launched the ‘Knee Artificial Joint Surgery Expense Support Project’ for local elderly residents suffering from knee osteoarthritis pain or unable to undergo surgery due to financial reasons.

Previously, the project was promoted in connection with the Elderly Medical Sharing Foundation targeting low-income groups, but from this year, the scope of support has been expanded.

[Photo by Gokseong-gun]

The support targets are those diagnosed with diseases meeting the health insurance benefit criteria for ‘artificial joint replacement surgery (knee joint),’ aged 60 or older, residing in Gokseong for more than one year as of the application date, and whose household income is 150% or less of the median income based on the National Health Insurance premium for the relevant year. Those receiving support from other laws, private organizations, or actual medical expense reimbursements are excluded.

The support covers actual expenses for examination fees, medical fees, and surgery fees corresponding to the patient’s co-payment, up to a maximum of 1.2 million KRW for one knee (2.4 million KRW for both knees).

Applicants should prepare a diagnosis (opinion) issued within the last month from a medical institution and apply at the relevant eup/myeon office or Gokseong-gun Health and Medical Center. The person in charge will carefully review the related documents and individually notify the applicant with a ‘Decision Notice.’

If surgery is performed before applying for surgery expense support, the benefit cannot be received. Surgery must be performed within three months after receiving the final notification as a surgery expense support recipient. This project will close early when the budget is exhausted and will proceed on a first-come, first-served basis.

An official from the county said, “Through the Knee Artificial Joint Surgery Expense Support Project, we hope to reduce the financial burden of surgery for the elderly and help them live their daily lives without mobility difficulties.”