The fantasy of a new healthcare policy in Korea

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2017;60(12):936-939

Publication date (electronic) : 2017 December 14

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2017.60.12.936

Dae Seog Heo, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Corresponding author: Dae Seog Heo. heo1013@snu.ac.kr

Received 2017 November 10; Accepted 2017 November 24.

Abstract

According to Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development health statistics data, out-of-pocket expenditures account for 36.8% of current health expenditures in Korea, in contrast to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development average of 20.3%. The government has announced the implementation of a new healthcare policy to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures. Korea already has a universal coverage system for most essential health care services. Even though health services based on out-of-pocket expenditures are usually optional, and are supported by lower levels of evidence, the National Health Insurance program has promised to cover all medical services except for cosmetic plastic surgery. This will drive more demand for optional health services and drain healthcare resources. Korea needs improvement of its quality care system instead of high-cost optional services, because of the rapid transition to an aging society.

Keywords: Health expenditures; Delivery of health care; Insurance coverage; Policy

References

1. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. OECD health statistics 2017 [Internet] Paris: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; cited 2017 Dec 1. Available from: http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/health-data.htm.

2. Popper KR. The open society and its enemies London: Karl Popper Library; 1945.

Article information Continued

Korean Medical Association

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Table 1

Current expenditure on health (% of GDP)

Values are based on OECD health statistics 2017 [1].

GDP, gross domestic product; OECD, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.