Jeonbuk-do Expands Support for Rare Disease Medical Expenses... Reducing Patient Burden

Support Expanded to 1,338 Eligible Diseases
Including Ichthyosis, Palmoplantar Pustulosis, and More

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province will expand its medical expense support program for patients with rare diseases starting this year to address medical blind spots and reduce patient burdens.

According to the province on the 3rd, the "Medical Expense Support Program for Patients with Rare Diseases" is a project that supports out-of-pocket expenses, nursing care costs, and special dietary purchase costs for low-income health insurance subscribers who are registered under the rare disease special case program and meet income and asset criteria.

Jeonbuk Provincial Government Office view. Provided by Jeonbuk Province

Starting this year, the number of diseases eligible for medical expense support will increase from the previous 1,272 to a total of 1,338, with 66 additional diseases including ichthyosis and palmoplantar pustulosis.

Additionally, the previous income criteria (less than 120% of the median income for adults, less than 130% for children) have been relaxed to less than 140% of the median income regardless of age, allowing more patients to benefit from the program.

Previously, only diseases listed as the "main diagnosis" on the medical certificate were eligible for support, but now, support will be available based on the final diagnosis regardless of whether it is the main or secondary diagnosis. Furthermore, in addition to in-person applications, written applications (by mail or fax) are now accepted, greatly improving convenience for patients with mobility difficulties.

Patients with rare diseases in the province who wish to receive medical expense support can apply for registration as a beneficiary of the program at the public health center in their district of residence.

The list of rare diseases and detailed information about the rare disease medical expense support program can be found on the Rare Disease Helpline website of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Hwang Cheolho, Director of the Welfare, Women, and Health Bureau of Jeonbuk Province, said, "We hope that the expansion of medical expense support will provide practical help to rare disease patients and their families in the province who are struggling with medical costs," and added, "We will continue to develop support measures to strengthen residents' right to health."