Overcoming coordination challenges between health and social services in the Republic of Korea
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World Health Organization
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4 p.
This country report examines the organization, financing and regulation of long-term care (LTC) services in the Republic of Korea, with particular emphasis on coordination challenges between health and social care systems. Produced as part of the WHO collection of country reports on purchasing long-term care, the publication describes the structure of Korea’s LTC insurance system, introduced in 2008 in response to rapid population ageing. It outlines financing arrangements based on insurance contributions, government subsidies and copayments, as well as eligibility criteria, pricing mechanisms and quality evaluation systems for institutional and home-based care services. The report analyses the rapid expansion of LTC facilities and providers following the introduction of LTC insurance and highlights persistent coordination problems between LTC services and the national health insurance system. Particular attention is given to inefficient use of LTC hospitals, fragmentation between medical and social care services, and the influence of private providers and weak primary care coordination on service delivery. The publication also discusses policy measures intended to promote community-based care, strengthen quality monitoring through public reporting and performance-based payments, and improve equity through income-based copayment reductions and exemptions. Challenges related to financial sustainability, workforce expansion and integration of care services are also examined.
This country report examines the organization, financing and regulation of long-term care (LTC) services in the Republic of Korea, with particular emphasis on coordination challenges between health and social care systems. Produced as part of the WHO collection of country reports on purchasing long-term care, the publication describes the structure of Korea’s LTC insurance system, introduced in 2008 in response to rapid population ageing. It outlines financing arrangements based on insurance contributions, government subsidies and copayments, as well as eligibility criteria, pricing mechanisms and quality evaluation systems for institutional and home-based care services. The report analyses the rapid expansion of LTC facilities and providers following the introduction of LTC insurance and highlights persistent coordination problems between LTC services and the national health insurance system. Particular attention is given to inefficient use of LTC hospitals, fragmentation between medical and social care services, and the influence of private providers and weak primary care coordination on service delivery. The publication also discusses policy measures intended to promote community-based care, strengthen quality monitoring through public reporting and performance-based payments, and improve equity through income-based copayment reductions and exemptions. Challenges related to financial sustainability, workforce expansion and integration of care services are also examined.