Starting in July, the criteria for partitioning payment of National Health Insurance premiums will be eased. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said on the 25th that it will push five tasks under "small but certain core administrative improvements."
The ministry will improve the partitioning payment system for National Health Insurance premiums. Previously, individuals could apply for partitioning payment only when the additional premium owed after year-end tax settlement exceeded their "one-month premium." Going forward, the application threshold will be eased to exceed the "minimum premium" (20,160 won this year) so more people can use the system. The maximum number of partitioning payments allowed for premiums whose payment has been deferred due to leave of absence and other reasons will increase from 10 to 12.
In addition, the Healthy Care Playground program will expand its eligible participants. The program offers nutrition education and physical activity programs to prevent childhood obesity and build healthy lifestyle habits. Previously, only 1st- and 2nd-graders in elementary school who used after-school care or community child centers could participate, but eligibility will be expanded to 4th grade.
The ministry will improve the referral and return system for health management of persons with disabilities. It will simplify the process for exempting licensed herbal pharmacists from continuing education. It will also improve the administrative process related to reporting employment status after the issuance of a licensed herbal pharmacist license. A ministry official said, "We will closely review and improve even small administrative changes so that people can feel the difference."