Policy Decision to Ease Public Burden
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on September 10 that the 2025 health insurance premium rate will be frozen at 7.09%, the same as this year. This marks the fourth premium rate freeze in history and the first time for two consecutive years, demonstrating the government's commitment to easing public burden amid high inflation and interest rates.
Comprehensive Considerations for Economic Conditions
The ministry stated that this decision comprehensively considered the public's capacity to bear premium burdens due to persistent high inflation and interest rates, along with the most stable health insurance financial conditions since the system's introduction.
The freeze particularly reflects the government's intention to reduce burdens on working and middle-class families still struggling in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery process. A four-person family is expected to save approximately 15,000 won per month from the premium freeze.
Continued Emergency Medical System Support
The government also decided to extend the "Emergency Medical System Health Insurance Support Plan" worth approximately 216.8 billion won monthly to prevent medical gaps for emergency and critical patients amid prolonged medical workforce actions.
Special measures were prepared for the Chuseok holiday period, including additional increases in specialist consultation fee premiums for regional, specialized, and local emergency medical centers, and temporary enhancement of compensation for hospitals and pharmacies operating during the holiday period (September 14-18).
Major Expansion of Rare Disease Medical Support
From 2025, medical support for rare diseases will be significantly expanded. The number of rare diseases eligible for medical support increased from 1,272 to 1,338 with the addition of 66 conditions, including abnormal keratinization and palmoplantar pustulosis.
More importantly, income criteria were substantially relaxed. The previous criterion of less than 120% of median income was expanded to less than 140%, allowing more patients to receive medical support. This applies equally to both pediatric and adult patients.
Complete Reform of Income Settlement System
Starting January 2025, the health insurance income-based premium settlement system will be completely reformed. Previously, only business income and earned income were subject to premium adjustment and settlement, but from this year, interest, dividends, pensions, and other income can all be adjusted based on current timepoints.
Additionally, adjustment applications are now possible for both decreased and increased income compared to the previous year, enabling more accurate and fair premium assessment. This is expected to be particularly beneficial for freelancers and self-employed individuals with high income volatility.
A ministry official stated, "Through premium freezes and expanded medical support, we will enhance medical accessibility and reduce burdens for citizens, while continuously pursuing various policies for medical quality improvement and public health safety."
Original Korean Article: 한국어 원문 보기
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