South Korea’s national health insurance is pushing to provide broader medical treatment coverage for children suffering from diabetes starting in July, the health ministry said Friday. (Image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, March 9 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s national health insurance is pushing to provide broader medical treatment coverage for children suffering from diabetes starting in July, the health ministry said Friday.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said it is in discussion with medical experts on the issue and is in the process of revising a relevant law.
Under the change, up to 90 percent of the cost of three more products — continuous blood glucose monitoring, autonomous insulin syringes and autonomous insulin needles — will be further covered by the national insurance. Currently, four medical products are covered by the insurance.
Type 1 diabetes — an autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops producing insulin — usually occurs during childhood. It is different from type 2 diabetes, which is usually associated with diet and lifestyle.
According to government data, the number of people aged under 18 suffering from diabetes came to 1,720 in 2016 and the number is on the rise.
(Yonhap)
