In the past five years, the per capita health care expenditure of our people has increased by about 1 million won, exceeding 4 million won. The rise in outpatient medical expenses and prescription drug costs has driven the overall increase in medical costs.
According to materials received from the Ministry of Health and Welfare by Kim Mi-ae, a member of the People Power Party, on the 17th, the per capita health care expenditure has increased by 35.8%, from 3,032,000 won in 2019 to an estimated 4,118,000 won in 2024.
Medical costs have consistently increased over the past 10 years, surpassing 3 million won for the first time in 2019, and rising to over 4 million won last year.
The proportion of health care expenditure in gross domestic product (GDP) has also grown from 7.7% to 8.4% during the same period.
Health insurance medical expenses (excluding medical aid and non-reimbursable services) have increased by 34.4%, from 86 trillion 477.5 billion won in 2019 to 116 trillion 250.9 billion won last year.
By type of care institution, medical institution expenditures increased by 34.3%, from 68 trillion 716.2 billion won to 92 trillion 295.9 billion won, while pharmacy expenses rose by 34.8%, from 17 trillion 761.3 billion won to 23 trillion 955.1 billion won.
Looking at medical institution expenditures by type, hospitalization costs increased by 26.4%, from 32 trillion 256.2 billion won in 2019 to 40 trillion 791.4 billion won in 2024.
During the same period, outpatient medical expenses surged by 41.3%, from 36 trillion 460 billion won to 51 trillion 504.4 billion won, surpassing the increase in hospitalization costs.
Kim Mi-ae noted, "Given the recent sharp increase in health care expenditure, there is a need to enhance fiscal efficiency and manage unnecessary spending. In particular, we must closely analyze the factors contributing to the rise in outpatient medical expenses and prescription drug costs, and establish sustainable health insurance financial management plans."