The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced plans on February 12 to enhance its medical expense support program for low-income individuals battling rare diseases. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced plans on February 12 to enhance its medical expense support program for low-income individuals battling rare diseases.
Rare diseases are characterized as conditions affecting fewer than 20,000 individuals or those that are hard to diagnose due to the lack of precise data on the number of affected individuals.
Starting this year, the range of diseases eligible for medical expense support will be broadened from 1,189 to 1,272. Moreover, the asset threshold for the households of those affected and their dependents will be increased to between 100 million and 250 million won, depending on the region, enabling more individuals to qualify for aid.
For the first time, the agency will also offer financial aid for the purchase of cornstarch for about 250 individuals within the country suffering from Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD), with a maximum annual support of 1.68 million won.
GSD is a genetic condition that affects carbohydrate metabolism due to a lack of enzymes necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of glycogen, necessitating the consumption of cornstarch by those affected to maintain their blood sugar levels.
Following amendments to the Rare Disease Management Act, a revamped resource-sharing framework among the national government, local governments, and the National Health Insurance Service will be set in motion. Costs that exceed the maximum personal contribution of the individual will be covered by health insurance funds.
The KDCA plans to update and circulate guidelines this year that encompass the extended aspects of the medical expense support project for individuals with rare diseases.
Those in need of support can apply through their local public health centers or the Rare Disease Helpline (helpline.kdca.go.kr).
Jeong Eun-kyeong, the director of the KDCA, stated, “This year marks a significant milestone as we establish a complementary resource-sharing system for the medical expense support project, laying down a more stable support base. With this foundation, we aim to further enhance support for those with rare diseases.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
