Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk Province, is promoting the ‘Implant and Denture Out-of-Pocket Expense Support Project.’
The county announced on the 27th that it will support the out-of-pocket expenses for implants and dentures for low-income elderly people aged 65 and over who have difficulty receiving dental treatment due to tooth loss and economic burdens.
Gochang County held an explanatory meeting on the low-income elderly implant denture support project on the 26th. [Photo by Gochang County]
This project targets elderly residents aged 65 and over who have had their resident registration address in Gochang-gun for more than five years and actually reside there, medical aid recipients, low-income out-of-pocket expense reduction beneficiaries, and those in the bottom 50% or lower of national health insurance premiums.
On the previous day afternoon, an explanatory meeting for the ‘Implant and Denture Out-of-Pocket Expense Support’ project was held with about 50 attendees, including Shim Deok-seop, the mayor of Gochang-gun, Kim Tae-seong, president of the Gochang-gun Dental Association, and officials from various organizations.
In particular, to reduce oral health disparities, as a pledge of the 8th civilian administration mayor, the county decided to actively support oral medical services for low-income elderly people in response to the continuous increase in the rate of chewing discomfort complaints among those aged 65 and over in Gochang-gun (41.5% in 2019, 43.6% in 2021).
The Gochang-gun Public Health Center is making swift efforts to promote the project after completing the approval consultation for the social security system with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and completing administrative matters such as enacting the ‘Gochang-gun Ordinance on Support for Implants and Dentures for Low-Income Groups.’
The support details include ▲(Elderly dentures) out-of-pocket expenses after coverage for complete and partial dentures (resin and metal types) ▲(Implants) support for up to two implants per person regardless of upper or lower jaw (partial dentures can be supported simultaneously except in cases with no teeth at all) ▲(Abutment prosthetics) support for prosthetic costs for up to three abutments per partial denture (up to six for two dentures) (non-covered items) ▲(Post-denture care) support for post-procedure care costs within five years after denture treatment.
Applicants can apply by visiting the dental clinic or medical examination team at the public health center in person.
Mayor Shim Deok-seop said, “Through this project, we hope that low-income elderly people who have been considering implant and denture procedures will be able to improve their oral health and enjoy a happy old age.”
Gochang = Kim Jae-gil, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr
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