Democratic Party's 'Health Incentive' Pledge... Earn Points for Achieving Blood Pressure and Other Targets

On the 23rd, ahead of the nation's biggest holiday, the Lunar New Year holiday, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee In-young, floor leader, and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, along with other party leaders, greeted travelers at Yongsan Station in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea announced the 'National Health Incentive System' as an election pledge on the 24th.

The National Health Insurance Service will be responsible for tasks such as participation application and registration, support for practicing healthy lifestyles, and accumulating incentives. Participants will first be classified into Health Safe Group (A), Health Caution Group (B), and Health Risk Group (C) based on the health checkup results of the year they join.

Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, and blood sugar are the main criteria, and goals for improvement are set for participants. To achieve these goals, participants must register practice reports such as health education, exercise classes, and walking. Points are accumulated when health checkup results meet the goals.

Points can be used for gift certificates, co-payments at medical institutions, health insurance premiums, various community sports, fitness, swimming, health clubs, yoga, Pilates, and more. They can also be used to purchase health foods, health products, and exercise equipment.

A pilot project is planned in some regions next year, with an estimated cost of 8.7 billion KRW. Afterwards, the program will be expanded to include all citizens. Based on 11.18 million examinees aged 40 and over, the annual cost is expected to be 95.1 billion KRW.

The Democratic Party stated, "Through the introduction of the 'National Health Incentive,' we expect not only to improve citizens' healthy lifestyle habits but also to achieve long-term reductions in medical expenses," adding, "It will also greatly contribute to revitalizing health-related industries."