Sunchang County, Jeonbuk Expands 'Elderly Medical Expense Support Program'

Securing an Additional 90 Million Won Budget
Easing the Burden of Medical Expenses

Sunchang-gun, North Jeolla Province, announced on the 8th that it has expanded its elderly medical expense support program and secured an additional budget of 90 million won to reduce the medical cost burden for seniors.

The county expects that this measure will play a significant role in improving the quality of life for the elderly and addressing healthcare blind spots in the region as the era of population aging progresses.

Sunchang County has expanded its medical expense support program for the elderly and secured an additional budget of 90 million won for this purpose. Photo by Sunchang County

The main support programs to receive additional funding include: ▲elderly dental implants ▲cataract surgery ▲artificial knee joint surgery for seniors.

Among these, artificial knee joint surgery is available for seniors aged 70 and older, while support for dental implants and cataract surgery is available from age 65.

This expansion of medical expense support is a measure to address the increasing burden of medical costs due to the rising elderly population, particularly considering the severe rural aging in Sunchang-gun.

The county explained that about 35% of its population is aged 65 and older, making medical expense support even more urgent.

Specifically, for elderly dental implants, up to two implants per person are supported. For cataract surgery, low-income seniors are given priority, and artificial knee joint surgery is targeted at seniors whose daily lives are hindered by pain from arthritis.

County Governor Choi Youngil stated, "We will continue to expand support so that seniors can receive appropriate medical services without financial burden," and added, "We will actively pursue policies to guarantee the health rights of the elderly and improve their quality of life in the future."

Meanwhile, retroactive application is not possible if surgery was performed before being selected as a support recipient. For more details, contact the Community Health Team at Sunchang-gun Public Health Center.