Role of Healthcare in Korean Long-Term Care Insurance.
10.3346/jkms.2012.27.S.S41
- Author:
Im Oak KANG
1
;
Chong Yon PARK
;
Yunhwan LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, College of Health Industry, Youngdong University, Youngdong, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Aged;
Delivery of Healthcare;
Health Services;
Insurance;
Long-Term Care
- MeSH:
Aged;
Aged, 80 and over;
Delivery of Health Care/*economics;
Disability Evaluation;
Humans;
Insurance, Long-Term Care/*economics;
Middle Aged;
National Health Programs/economics
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2012;27(Suppl):S41-S46
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
With the rapid aging of the population, Korea introduced public long-term care insurance for older people in 2008. The long-term care insurance was designed as a separate scheme from the national health insurance, with eligibility qualifications and the certification process based on functional disability, benefits and coverage of community-based and institutional care, and a financing structure through multi-party contributions. Delivering appropriate health services to long-term care beneficiaries who manifest a high prevalence of comorbid chronic conditions with rising healthcare costs, however, presents a particular challenge. The lack of coordination between the health and long-term care sectors, limited consideration of physicians' assessments in the certification process, inadequate provision of health services in long-term care facilities, and overlapping and inefficient use of care resources act as barriers to providing comprehensive healthcare for older beneficiaries. Through active participation in the long-term care system, health professionals can help older patients navigate through the complex long-term care terrain to obtain quality healthcare.
