On the 16th, Mapo District in Seoul announced that it will implement the nation’s first "disabled living assurance insurance" support program for individuals with developmental disabilities and disabled youth.
A Mapo District official noted, "Individuals with developmental disabilities and disabled youth are often exposed to risks of unexpected accidents, but it is not easy to enroll in private insurance." He explained, "We have prepared an institutional alternative in the form of group insurance to help individuals with disabilities and their families."
To implement this program, Mapo District established the "Local government ordinance on disabled living assurance insurance enrollment and support in Seoul Special City Mapo District." According to the ordinance, individuals with developmental disabilities and disabled youth can receive compensation through this insurance if they cause bodily or property harm to others, or if they themselves incur injuries. They can receive overlapping compensation with other systems or personal insurance, which can further alleviate the economic burden on families of individuals with disabilities.
The target group includes individuals with developmental disabilities and disabled youth aged 9 to 24 (based on date of birth from May 31, 2000, to May 30, 2016) registered as residents in Mapo District. Applications can be made by visiting the local community service center by the 25th. The insurance coverage period will last for one year from the start date (scheduled for the end of May), and the insurance premium will be fully covered by Mapo District. The maximum coverage amount is 100 million won.
Park Kang-soo, the district mayor, said, "The 'disabled living assurance insurance' support program is a small promise from Mapo District to alleviate the anxiety and burden of individuals with disabilities and their families."